Question

Given below are two statements :
Statement I : In gymnosperms, the male and female gametophytes remain within the sporangia.
Statement II : In gymnosperms, the seeds are not covered.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

• A. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
• C. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
• D. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect

Hint:

Use this summary checklist for Gymnosperms: tabular|l|l| Characteristic & Status in Gymnosperms
Gametophyte status & Reduced, dependent, retained inside sporangia
Ovary Wall & Absent
Seed Condition & Naked (not enclosed in fruit)
tabular

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Gymnosperms (derived from Greek: gymnos meaning 'naked' and sperma meaning 'seed') represent a group of seed-producing plants characterized by specific reproductive adaptations. Unlike bryophytes and pteridophytes, gymnosperms exhibit an advanced degree of heterospory where gametophytes are highly reduced and fully dependent on the dominant sporophytic generation.

Step 1: Detailed analysis of Statement I
In lower plant groups like bryophytes and free-sporing pteridophytes, gametophytes have an independent, free-living existence. However, gymnosperms show a significant evolutionary shift:

• They produce two distinct types of spores: haploid microspores and megaspores inside specialized sporangia (microsporangia and megasporangia).

• The male gametophyte develops from the microspore within the microsporangium.

• The female gametophyte develops from the megaspore and is retained inside the megasporangium, which is enclosed within the ovule.
Because they do not have a free-living independent existence, both male and female gametophytes remain physically enclosed and protected within the parental sporangia located on the sporophyte. Hence,

Statement I is completely correct.

Step 2: Detailed analysis of Statement II
Let us look closely at the defining morphological characteristic of gymnosperms. The ovules of gymnosperms are exposed directly on the surfaces of reproductive structures such as cones or modified leaves (megasporophylls). They are not enclosed within an ovary wall before fertilization, nor do they develop an ovary-derived covering after fertilization. Since seeds develop directly from these exposed ovules, the final matured seeds remain exposed or "naked"—meaning they are not covered by a fruit wall. Hence,

Statement II is completely correct.

Conclusion:
Since both Statement I and Statement II are fully accurate based on gymnosperm morphology and reproductive cycles, option (2) is the correct choice.