Question

Thallophyta, Bryophyta, and Pteridophyta are called cryptogams. Gymnosperms and angiosperms are called phanerogams. Discuss why. Draw one example of gymnosperms.

Answer 1

Cryptogams:

1. Cryptogams are lower plants that produce spores to reproduce.
2. They lack true stems, roots, leaves, flowers, or seeds and are plant-like organisms.
3. It includes algae, lichens, moss, ferns, fungi, slime molds, and bacteria.
4. Cryptogams refer to hidden reproduction as no seed is generated. They are non-seed-producing plants.

Phanerogams:

1. Phanerogams are plants that bear seeds and have well-differentiated reproductive tissues.
2. The plant body is divided into roots, stems, and leaves. They possess conducting elements such as xylem and phloem.
3. Phanerogams include gymnosperms and angiosperms.
4. Phanerogams mean seed-bearing plants and thus the name.
5. Examples of gymnosperms are Ginkgo, Sago palm, Melinja, and Sugi.