Question

Select the incorrect statement with regard to Cycas and Pinus.

• A. In Cycas, the stem is unbranched and in Pinus, it is branched
• B. In Cycas, the leaves are simple and in Pinus, the leaves are compound
• C. Cycas is dioecious and Pinus is monoecious
• D. Roots of Cycas have association with cyanobacteria and roots of Pinus have association with fungi

Answer 1

The correct option is B In Cycas, the leaves are simple and in Pinus, the leaves are compound

Cycas and Pinus are gymnosperms.
In Cycas, the leaves are pinnately compound. In Pinus, simple needle-like leaves are present.
In Cycas, the stem is unbranched and in Pinus the stem is branched.
Cycas is dioecious as sexes are present on separate plants. Pinus is monoecious as sexes are present on a single plant and are not separate.

Coralloid roots of Cycas have symbiotic association with cyanobacteria. The cyanobacteria help in symbiotic nitrogen fixation as they have specialised cells called heterocysts that help in nitrogen fixation.

The roots of Pinus have a symbiotic association with fungi. The fungus helps in the absorption of water and minerals for the plant and plant provides nourishment to the fungus.