Flowerless plants, naked seeds, needle like leaves and cones as reproductive structure are the characteristics of:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 3 i.e. gymnosperms.
The characteristics mentioned—flowerless plants, naked seeds, needle-like leaves, and cones as reproductive structures—are typical of gymnosperms. Gymnosperms are a group of seed-producing plants that do not form flowers or fruits. Instead of enclosing seeds in fruits, they bear naked seeds usually found on the scales of cones. Their leaves are often needle-like or scale-like, which helps reduce water loss, making them well-suited for dry or cold environments. Common examples include pine, fir, and cedar. These plants use cones (strobili) for reproduction, where male cones produce pollen and female cones produce ovules that develop into seeds after fertilization.