Question

Assertion : The leaves in gymnosperms are well-adapted to withstand extremes of temperature, humidity and wind.
Reason : Unlike bryophytes and pteridophytes, in gymnosperms the male and female gametophytes do not have an independent free-living existence.

• A. If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion
• B. If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion
• C. If assertion is true but reason is false
• D. If both assertion and reason are false

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

The leaves in gymnosperms are welladapted to withstand extremes of temperature, humidity and wind. In conifers, the needlelike leaves reduce the surface area. Their thick cuticle and sunken stomata also help to reduce water loss. Unlike bryophytes and pteridophytes, in gymnosperms the male and the female gametophytes do not have an independent free-living existence. They remain within the sporangia retained on the sporophytes.