Question:
Living fossil tree is ______________
Living fossil tree is ______________
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The term "living fossil" was first coined by Charles Darwin in his book "On the Origin of Species" to describe organisms that have survived unchanged through geological time.
Updated On: Aug 20, 2026
- Tectona grandis
- Gingko biloba
- Gmelina arborea
- Casuarina equisetifolia
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question asks to identify a tree species that is referred to as a "living fossil" because it has remained virtually unchanged for millions of years and has no close living relatives.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
• $Ginkgo$ $biloba$, commonly known as the maidenhair tree, is a gymnosperm that belongs to its own division, Ginkgophyta. It is the sole surviving species of a group of plants that dates back over 270 million years to the Permian period.
• It is termed a "living fossil" because fossil records show that its ancestors looked almost identical to the modern tree found today. It was once thought to be extinct in the wild until it was discovered in remote areas of China.
• Unlike most modern trees, $Ginkgo$ has unique fan-shaped leaves and is dioecious, meaning male and female reproductive structures are on separate trees. It is highly resilient to pests, diseases, and urban pollution, which has contributed to its long-term survival.
• The other trees listed are common modern species: Tectona grandis (Teak), Gmelina arborea (Gamhar), and Casuarina equisetifolia (Casuarina). These belong to modern angiosperm or specialized gymnosperm families and do not share the ancient lineage characteristic of the $Ginkgo$.
• $Ginkgo$ $biloba$ is also well-known in traditional medicine and modern herbal supplements for its potential cognitive benefits.
Step 3: Final Answer:
$Gingko$ $biloba$ is widely recognized as a living fossil tree.
This question asks to identify a tree species that is referred to as a "living fossil" because it has remained virtually unchanged for millions of years and has no close living relatives.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
• $Ginkgo$ $biloba$, commonly known as the maidenhair tree, is a gymnosperm that belongs to its own division, Ginkgophyta. It is the sole surviving species of a group of plants that dates back over 270 million years to the Permian period.
• It is termed a "living fossil" because fossil records show that its ancestors looked almost identical to the modern tree found today. It was once thought to be extinct in the wild until it was discovered in remote areas of China.
• Unlike most modern trees, $Ginkgo$ has unique fan-shaped leaves and is dioecious, meaning male and female reproductive structures are on separate trees. It is highly resilient to pests, diseases, and urban pollution, which has contributed to its long-term survival.
• The other trees listed are common modern species: Tectona grandis (Teak), Gmelina arborea (Gamhar), and Casuarina equisetifolia (Casuarina). These belong to modern angiosperm or specialized gymnosperm families and do not share the ancient lineage characteristic of the $Ginkgo$.
• $Ginkgo$ $biloba$ is also well-known in traditional medicine and modern herbal supplements for its potential cognitive benefits.
Step 3: Final Answer:
$Gingko$ $biloba$ is widely recognized as a living fossil tree.
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