Question

In which one of the following, the ovules are not enclosed by an ovary wall and remain exposed ?

• A. Funaria
• B. Pinus
• C. Selaginella
• D. Wolffia

Hint:

"Naked seeds" is the hallmark of Gymnosperms. If you see {Pinus} or {Cycas}, they lack an ovary wall.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To determine which of the given options has ovules that are not enclosed by an ovary wall, we need to understand the differences in reproductive structures among the given plant groups. Let's evaluate each option:

1. Funaria: Funaria is a genus of mosses. Mosses are non-vascular plants that reproduce via spores rather than seeds. They do not produce flowers, seeds, or ovules, so this option is not relevant to the question.
2. Pinus: Pinus is a genus in the gymnosperms group, which includes conifers. In gymnosperms, the ovules are exposed and not enclosed within an ovary wall, as they do not form flowers. Instead, the ovules develop on the surface of scales or leaves, often in the form of cones. This matches the condition described in the question.
3. Selaginella: Selaginella belongs to the group of plants known as lycophytes. Like mosses, they primarily reproduce through spores and do not produce seeds with enclosed ovules. However, the question specifically refers to exposure as opposed to structure, aligning more with gymnosperms like Pinus.
4. Wolffia: Wolffia is a genus of flowering plants, known as duckweeds. They are angiosperms, which means their ovules are enclosed within an ovary wall. This does not fit the condition described in the question.

Based on the evaluation above, the correct answer is Pinus, as gymnosperms are characterized by their exposed ovules.