Try It Yes, gymnosperms do have an embryo. Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Ginkgo pollen, like that of pines, is four-celled at the time of pollination (spring season), which is accomplished by wind. Watch this BBC video describing the amazing strangeness of Welwitschia. The time interval between pollination and maturation of the embryo into a new sporophyte generation varies among different groups, ranging from a few months to over one year (in pine, for example). Angiosperms have seeds enclosed in an ovary (a fruit) whereas gymnosperms have no flowers or fruits and have naked seeds on the surface of leaves. Adiantum Gymnosperms The ovules are not enclosed by any ovary wall and remain exposed, both before and after fertilization. Cycads, Ginkgo, and gnetophytes have two cotyledons in the embryo; pine and other conifers may have several (eight is common; some have as many as 18). Megagametophytes develop from megaspores and are retained within the ovule. Within each megasporangium, a single cell undergoes meiotic division to produce four haploid megaspores, three of which typically degenerate. [16] There are no herbaceous gymnosperms and compared to angiosperms they occupy fewer ecological niches, but have evolved both parasites (parasitaxus), epiphytes (Zamia pseudoparasitica) and rheophytes (Retrophyllum minus).[17]. Angiosperms are called flowering plants, whereas gymnosperms are called non-flowering plants. Snow slides easily off needle-shaped leaves, keeping the load light and decreasing breaking of branches. Do gymnosperms have cell walls? As with the ferns, lycophytes produce spores for reproduction and are both wind-pollinated and dispersed. [27] When fossil gymnosperms such as these and the Bennettitales, glossopterids, and Caytonia are considered, it is clear that angiosperms are nested within a larger gymnospermae clade, although which group of gymnosperms is their closest relative remains unclear. The two innovative structures of pollen and seed allowed seed plants to break their dependence on water for reproduction and development of the embryo, and to conquer dry land. [3], Today gymnosperms are the most threatened of all plant groups.[20]. The lycophytes and monilophytes develop both rhizoids on their gametophytes and root hairs on their sporophytes. They are far different to most plants we generally think about because they do not produce seeds, flowers, fruit or wood, and even lack vascular tissue. These adaptations to cold and dry weather explain the predominance of conifers at high altitudes and in cold climates. This neat little package called a seed is an innovative step in plant evolution that helped some plants thrive in terrestrial ecosystems. It is planted in public spaces because it is unusually resistant to pollution. Also, Ginkgo trees have a large number of applications ranging from medicine to cooking. The gametes are spread by wind and by insect and animal pollinators attracted by their flowers. Select the correct answer and click on the Finish buttonCheck your score and answers at the end of the quiz, Visit BYJUS for all Biology related queries and study materials. The gymnosperms are subdivided into five Divisions, four of which, the Cycadophyta, Ginkgophyta, Gnetophyta, and Pinophyta (also known as Coniferophyta) are still in existence while the Pteridospermatophyta are now extinct. The inner tissues of the seed (the embryo and the female gametophyte) are palatable and prized among some peoples. its easy to understand. Leaves: Leaves have well defined shape and play role in photosynthesis. During the gametophyte stage, haploid gametes (male and female) are formed in the specialized sex organs: the antheridia (male) and archegonia (female). . However, they are an important part of the ecology of boreal regions (located in the Northern Hemisphere between 50 to 70N latitude) and high elevation environments including in the tropics (Crepet and Niklas, 2009). This page titled 8.1: Gymnosperms is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Daniela Dutra Elliott & Paula Mejia Velasquez. There is no evidence of mycorrhizal-like associations in mosses, likely due to their unique fungal-like multicellular rhizoids removing the need for symbiosis [4,20]. . Gymnosperms. Pollen can travel far from the sporophyte that bore it, spreading the plants genes and avoiding competition with other plants. The seed offers the embryo protection, nourishment and a mechanism to maintain dormancy for tens or even thousands of years, allowing it to survive in a harsh environment and ensuring germination when growth conditions are optimal. Genus: Pinus (new stem slide) Clade Coniferophyta (conifers) GymnospermsDefinition. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). The seeds of other conifers, such as yews, have a fleshy structure, known as an aril, surrounding them. [2] Gymnosperm lifecycles involve alternation of generations. At this stage the male gametophyte (called a pollen grain) is shed and transported by wind or insects. Furthermore, in larch ( Larix) and other groups, the pollen grains lack wings. Cycads are dioecious (meaning: individual plants are either all male or female). judy norton children; court ordered community service california Especially the graph, it helped a lot- Thanks, l understand about gym vs angiosperm, wow so boring ah!!! The genus Ephedra is represented in North America in dry areas of the southwestern United States and Mexico (Figure 5). Microsporangium produces haploid microspores. A Beason. The gametophyte phase begins when the microspore, while still within the microsporangium, begins to germinate to form the male gametophyte. Rhizoids may be unicellular or multicellular. Lycophytes, also known as the 'fern allies', are a clade of vascular plants similar to ferns but have unique leaves called microphylls. -The gametophyte produces eggs and sperm. They are exposed on the surface of the leaf-like structures of the gymnosperms. They have a sporophyte-dominant cycle. A majority of cycads are native to tropical climates and are most abundantly found in regions near the equator. Life Histories and Natural Selection, 113. [4] Click Start Quiz to begin! Liverworts are a group of non-vascular plants similar to mosses. The seed appears as scales which can be seen on the cones of the gymnosperm. The seeds of many gymnosperms (literally, "naked seeds") are borne in cones and are not visible until maturity. Enclosed inside an ovary, usually in a fruit. Gnetophyta are considered the closest group to angiosperms because they produce true xylem tissue that contains both tracheids and vessel elements. The plant body is leafy or thalloid. Genuine leaves, stems, and roots are all missing in non-vascular plants. Fertilization of the eggs of the several archegonia is followed by the early development of several embryos (polyembryony), only one of which survives in the mature seeds. The Ginkgo trees are characterised by their large size and their fan-like leaves. Unconventional Ways of Finding a Mate. tables that should be addressed in a formal lab report. They do not have rhizoids. Whats Up With the Human Female Orgasm? For example, ginkgo is cultivated outside its natural range, but in China only a few natural populations remain, making it vulnerable to extinction. This species has received critically endangered status because its natural habitat has decreased 97% in the past century (Forest et al., 2018). So only few member of bryophytes have leafy gametophytes. 56. Is the Brain Another Object of Sexual Desire? Assertion. Gymnosperms ("naked seed") are a diverse group of seed plants and are paraphyletic. Some gymnosperms, for example, are dioecious, with microstrobili and megastrobili being borne on separate plants, as in junipers (Juniperus), plum yews (Cephalotaxus), yews (Taxus), and podocarps (Podocarpus). They can be classified as Coniferophyta, Cycadophyta, Ginkgophyta and Gnetophyta. The moss sporangium is a complex structure that allows release of spores away from the parent plant. They colonize harsh habitats and can regain moisture after drying out. Since gymnosperms and angiosperms are both vascular plants, they have a sporophyte-dominant life-cycle. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. In contrast, all seed plants, or spermatophytes, are heterosporous, forming two types of spores: megaspores (female) and microspores (male). Gymnosperms are a group of seed plants that consist of conifers, cycads, Ginkgo, and Gnetales. Mosses, and their cousins liverworts and hornworts, are classified as Bryophyta (bryophytes) in the plant kingdom. More than one embryo is usually initiated in each gymnosperm seed. In the spring, pine trees release large amounts of yellow pollen, which is carried by the wind. Watch this video to see the process of seed production in gymnosperms. The gametes consist of flagellated sperm, which swim via water or are transported by insect species. Two main modes of fertilization are found in gymnosperms. This means that more than one cell is needed to make a rhizoid and that these cells are aligned end to end, forming a filament. Stomata or pores are present in both groups for gaseous exchange. What do mycorrhizae do? What adaptations do angiosperms have? The single species of Welwitschia is an unusual, low-growing plant found in the deserts of Namibia and Angola. Pollen spores are spread by wind alone. Between 250 and 200 million years ago, angiosperms started to evolve. Pteridophytes are vascular plants. . Reason. Gymnosperms are "simpler" anatomically because they do not bear flowers or fruit, and although of different species, are usually only tall evergreens with brown cones. Introduction to Origins of Life of Earth, 63. Do you need a male and female cycad? Some gymnosperms, for example, are dioecious, with microstrobili and megastrobili being borne on separate plants, as in junipers ( Juniperus ), plum yews ( Cephalotaxus ), yews ( Taxus ), and podocarps ( Podocarpus ). Rhizoid Rhizoids are protuberances that extend from the lower epidermal cells of bryophytes and algae. The megastrobili, by contrast, arise singly or in a whorl near the apex of the current seasons growth. There are approximately 1,100 gymnosperm species in the world today (Christenhusz and Byng, 2016) representing only 1% of plant diversity on the planet. Angiosperms, also called flowering plants, have seeds that are enclosed within an ovary (usually a fruit), while gymnosperms have no flowers or fruits, and have unenclosed or "naked" seeds on the surface of scales or leaves. Unlike the cycads and ginkgo, a pine is monoecious, both microstrobili and megastrobili occurring on the same tree. Another advantageous characteristic is the type of spores seed plants produce. [9] Early characteristics of seed plants are evident in fossil progymnosperms of the late Devonian period around 383 million years ago. The genera Ephedra, Gnetum, and Welwitschia, which are often grouped together in one category (Gnetales, or Gnetophyta), differ among themselves and from other gymnosperms with respect to several details of reproduction. border: 2px solid #8BC53F; Angiosperms are vascular seed plants in which the ovule is fertilized and develops into a seed in an enclosed ovary. What is the Evidence for Sexual Selection in Humans? They are not differentiated into ovary, style and stigma. Pollen grains (microgametophytes) mature from microspores, and ultimately produce sperm cells. -Meiosis produces spores that are haploid. Furthermore, in larch (Larix) and other groups, the pollen grains lack wings. Corrections? Rather, they sit exposed on the surface of leaf-like structures called bracts. In other species, the pollen grain settles on the surface of the megasporangium, where the male gametophyte develops further. Answer: Cycas, pinus, Thuja, Cedrus, Abies, Larix are some of the examples of gymnosperms. None of the bryophytes have roots. The pollen grains in larch become attached at pollination to a special receptive enlargement of the integument. This stage bears the sex organs. Put your understanding of this concept to test by answering a few MCQs. Price: $14. The plants in this group are commonly called algae which are predominantly aquatic. [1] Contents 1 Evolutionary development 2 Description 2.1 Land plants The major source of pollination and dispersal is wind. where no rhizoids develop. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. The interval between pollination and fertilization is several months in cycads. Do gymnosperms have roots? The exception is the females in the cycad genus Cycas, which form a loose structure called megasporophylls instead of cones. Sniffing Out Complementarity in Humans, 44. The gymnosperms and angiosperms together comprise the spermatophytes or seed plants. [18] Most conifers are evergreens. Gymnosperms. Gymnosperms are flowerless plants that produce cones and seeds. i like the stuff on gymnosperm and its classification. We also acknowledge previous National Science Foundation support under grant numbers 1246120, 1525057, and 1413739. Gymnosperms produce seeds (Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\)) and, together with flowering plants, constitute the seed plants. Other angiosperms like cotton and flax provide paper and textiles. The surviving gymnosperms in the Coniferophyta, Cycadophyta and Ginkgophyta are similar in their woody habit and pattern of seed development but are not closely related. In yews the solitary ovules are terminal on dwarf shoots; each ovule is surrounded by a cuplike structure called an aril, which becomes fleshy and brightly coloured as the seed matures. 7th. Edit or create new comparisons in your area of expertise. As in the cycads and ginkgo, the zygotes of several archegonia may initiate embryogeny. Gymnosperm seeds are often configured as cones. Instead, they have stem-like or leaf-like parts and root-like rhizoids. Following are the important characteristics of gymnosperms: Gymnosperms are classified into four types as given below . A megastrobilus contains many scales, called megasporophylls, that contain megasporangia. Whats the Difference Between Angiosperms and Gymnosperms? Can We See Markers of Sexual Selection in Animals? The microspores of all cycads develop into microstrobili. mike vernon royal household; are there snakes in gran canaria; shooting in laurel, md yesterday. They are found in desert to semi-desert habitats. Gymnosperm characteristics include naked seeds, separate female and male gametes, pollination by wind, and tracheids, which transport water and solutes in the vascular system. What special characteristics adaptations allow gymnosperms to grow in such conditions? They date back 450 million years, and have . Female ovulate cones, called megastrobili, may be borne on the same plant that bears microstrobili (as in conifers) or on separate plants (as in cycads and Ginkgo). The male gametophyte releases sperm, which must swimpropelled by their flagellato reach and fertilize the female gamete or egg. [4], By far the largest group of living gymnosperms are the conifers (pines, cypresses, and relatives), followed by cycads, gnetophytes (Gnetum, Ephedra and Welwitschia), and Ginkgo biloba (a single living species). The ovules of gymnosperms are not enclosed within the ovaries . Copy all the notes in this handout At the beginning of each growing season, the microstrobili enlarge and emerge from their bud scales; they are borne at the base of the terminal bud, which is destined to develop into the current seasons growth. [7][8] The radiation of gymnosperms during the late Carboniferous appears to have resulted from a whole genome duplication event around 319million years ago. A few species are deciduous and lose their leaves all at once in fall. They are similar in structure and function to the root hairs of vascular land plants. The life cycle of gymnosperms is characterized by having both sporophytic and gametophytic phases. Gymnosperms have great importance and show some unique features. They range in height anywhere between a few centimetres to several meters. Gymnosperm is a seed-producing plant that includes conifers, cycads, gnetophytes and ginkgos. Cycads are the next most abundant group of gymnosperms, with two or three families, 11 genera, and approximately 338 species. The fertilized egg undergoes mitosis to begin the development of a new sporophyte generationthe multicellular embryo of the seed. These plants have vascular tissues which help in the transportation of nutrients and water. Rather, wind or members of the animal kingdom deliver the male gametophyte pollen to the female gametophyte. Megaspores develop into female gametophytes that produce eggs, and microspores mature into male gametophytes that generate sperm. Spores are reproductive cells that can give rise to new organisms asexually (without fertilization). Typically, a sporophyte has a stem with roots and leaves and bears the reproductive structures. Interestingly, cycads and Ginkgo are the only seed plants with flagellated sperm. They're ancient plants. The gametophyte when matures produces male and female gametes which join to form a diploid zygote. Female cones, or ovulate cones, contain two ovules per scale. A few microspores develop into male gametes called pollen grains, and the rest degenerate. Fertilization is described as single; the pollen grains fall and germinate directly on the ovules. At maturity, a gymnosperm embryo has two or more seed leaves, known as cotyledons. Gymnosperms are a group of seed-bearing yet flowerless plants. The vascular plants, or tracheophytes, are the dominant and most conspicuous group of land plants. The maidenhair tree, or ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), is classified separately in a group of which it is the sole living representative. The word Gymnosperm comes from the Greek words gymnos(naked) and sperma(seed), hence known as Naked seeds. Gymnosperms are the seed-producing plants, but unlike angiosperms, they produce seeds without fruits. The Importance of Biodiversity to Human Life. [29] As with all heterosporous plants, the gametophytes develop within the spore wall. Modern gymnosperms are classified into four major divisions and comprise about 1,000 described species. They were followed by liverworts (also bryophytes) and primitive vascular plants, the pterophytes, from which modern ferns are derived. Genus: Pinus (old stem slide) Clade Coniferophyta (conifers) The pollen reaches the egg through wind or any other pollinating agent, and the pollen grain releases a sperm. The extant gymnosperms include 12 main families and 83 genera which contain more than 1000 known species.[2][26][28]. About 65% of gymnosperms are dioecious,[5] but conifers are almost all monoecious.[6]. Female Cones The megasporophylls cluster together to form female cones. By the time the pollen tube reaches the archegonium, both the egg and sperm are fully mature, and the egg is ready to be fertilized. Moss growing on rocks in the Rock Walk, Wakehurst. Like angiosperms, they have broad leaves. Climate and the Effects of Global Climate Change, 119. The xylem conducts water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant and also provides structural support. Some gametophytes will land on a female cone. Bryophytes do not have true leaves (megaphyll. The interval between pollination and fertilization may be as short as four to five weeks in firs (Abies). Required fields are marked *. Bare, not enclosed; found on scales, leaves or as cones. Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Rhizoids are present for anchorage. Gnetophytes are the closest relatives to modern angiosperms, and include three dissimilar genera of plants. This type of seed structure offers protection from drying and other environmental conditions. [19] The leaves of many conifers are long, thin and needle-like, other species, including most Cupressaceae and some Podocarpaceae, have flat, triangular scale-like leaves. The thin shape of the needles and their waxy cuticle limits water loss through transpiration. They are haploid cells that are produced by meiosis in sporophytes. Taxonomists recognize four distinct divisions of extant (nonextinct) gymnospermous plantsPinophyta, Cycadophyta, Ginkgophyta, and Gnetophytawith 88 genera and more than 1,000 species distributed throughout the world. Diffen LLC, n.d. Cycas, pinus, Thuja, Cedrus, Abies, Larix are some of the examples of gymnosperms. Origins of Life Chemistries in an RNA World, 67. Other Acellular Entities: Prions and Viroids, 111. Pollen grains that make contact with a droplet are transferred by its subsequent contraction through the micropyle and to the surface of a small depression (pollen chamber) at the tip of the megasporangium. The earliest reliable record of gymnosperms dates their appearance to the Carboniferous period (359299 million years ago). NCERT Solutions Class 12 Business Studies, NCERT Solutions Class 12 Accountancy Part 1, NCERT Solutions Class 12 Accountancy Part 2, NCERT Solutions Class 11 Business Studies, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Maths Chapter 1, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Maths Chapter 2, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Maths Chapter 3, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Maths Chapter 4, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Maths Chapter 5, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Maths Chapter 6, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Maths Chapter 7, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Maths Chapter 8, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Maths Chapter 9, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Maths Chapter 10, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Maths Chapter 11, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Maths Chapter 12, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Maths Chapter 13, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Maths Chapter 14, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Maths Chapter 15, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 1, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 2, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 3, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 4, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 5, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 6, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 7, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 8, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 9, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 10, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 11, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 12, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 13, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 14, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 15, NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 16, NCERT Solutions For Class 9 Social Science, NCERT Solutions For Class 9 Maths Chapter 1, NCERT Solutions For Class 9 Maths Chapter 2, NCERT Solutions For Class 9 Maths Chapter 3, NCERT Solutions For Class 9 Maths Chapter 4, NCERT Solutions For Class 9 Maths Chapter 5, NCERT Solutions For Class 9 Maths Chapter 6, NCERT Solutions For Class 9 Maths Chapter 7, NCERT Solutions For Class 9 Maths Chapter 8, NCERT Solutions For Class 9 Maths Chapter 9, NCERT Solutions For Class 9 Maths Chapter 10, NCERT Solutions For Class 9 Maths Chapter 11, NCERT Solutions For Class 9 Maths Chapter 12, NCERT Solutions For Class 9 Maths Chapter 13, NCERT Solutions For Class 9 Maths Chapter 14, NCERT Solutions For Class 9 Maths Chapter 15, NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 1, NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 2, NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 3, NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 4, NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 5, NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 6, NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 7, NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 8, NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 9, NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 10, NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 11, NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 12, NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 13, NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 14, NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 15, NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science, NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science, NCERT Solutions For Class 6 Social Science, CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 10, CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 12, CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 10 Science, CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Physics, CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Chemistry, CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Biology, ICSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 10 Physics, ICSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 10 Chemistry, ICSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 10 Maths, ISC Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Physics, ISC Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Chemistry, ISC Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Biology, JEE Main 2023 Question Papers with Answers, JEE Main 2022 Question Papers with Answers, JEE Advanced 2022 Question Paper with Answers. They do not produce flowers or fruits and have naked seeds. Similar responses in wording or references will not be accepted.APA format1) Minimum 20 pages (No word count per page)- Follow the 3 x 3 rule: minimum of three gymnosperm, any vascular plant that reproduces by means of an exposed seed, or ovule unlike angiosperms, or flowering plants, whose seeds are enclosed by mature ovaries, or fruits. Rhizoids are present in Bryophytes and Pteridophytes. Plant is monoecious (bears both male and female sex organs). Do gymnosperms have vascular tissue? Seeds allowed plant embryos to withstand freezing, desiccation, and ultraviolet light damage in terrestrial environments while providing energy storage (endosperm). The term gymnosperm comes from the composite word in Greek: (, gymnos, 'naked' and , sperma, 'seed'), literally meaning 'naked seeds'. The other extant groups are the 95100 species of Gnetales and one species of Ginkgo. Why are gymnosperms considered to be "naked seed" plants? Ecosystem Ecology II: Global Change Biology, 121. Similar structures are formed by some fungi. . Fertilization often occurs after the ovules have fallen from the trees, three or four months after pollination. Gymnosperms belong to kingdom Plantae and sub-kingdom Embryophyta. The plant body is differentiated into roots, stem and leaves. Furthermore, in pine and certain other conifers, the young embryos may form several embryos. Gymnosperms have no ovaries, hence they cannot produce fruits. They include plants like conifers (pine trees), ginkgo, cycads, and gnetophytes. Many coniferous trees are harvested for paper pulp and timber. Wrapping Up: Understanding the Silent Crickets, 61. The ovules enlarge tremendously after pollination, and, as the seeds mature, the integument differentiates into several coats, of which a stony layer and an outer fleshy layer are most prominent. 2.4 Rhizomes and rhizoids Flowering plants like hops, Zingiber officinale (ginger), Curcuma longa (turmeric), and Iris spp., as well as non-flowering plants like horsetails, ferns and lycophytes, have a belowground structure called rhizome, which is commonly confused to be a part of the root system. Most gymnosperms are wind pollinated, therefore they produce millions of pollen grains to increase the chances of them reaching the eggs on the female cones. Within the microsporangia are cells which undergo meiotic division to produce haploid microspores. info) lit. Xylem does not have vessels and the phloem has no companion cells and sieve tubes. Archegonia are present in the female gametophytes of Ephedra, but only eggs occur in those of Gnetum and Welwitschia. -When the sperm fertilizes the egg, a zygote results that develops into the sporophyte. They also have naked seeds which allow them to reproduce better. Coniferophyta, Cycadophyta, and Ginkgophyta are similar in their production of secondary cambium (cells that generate the vascular system of the trunk or stem) and their pattern of seed development, but are not closely related phylogenetically to each other.