Gymnosperms do not include

Options

A. herbs
B. shrubs
C. trees
D. both a and b

Explanation

To solve the question "Gymnosperms do not include," we need to analyze the characteristics of gymnosperms and the types of plants they encompass. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Understand Gymnosperms
Gymnosperms are a group of seed-producing plants that include conifers, cycads, ginkgo, and gnetophytes. They are characterized by having seeds that are not enclosed in an ovary (unlike angiosperms).

**Hint:** Remember that gymnosperms are primarily known for their seed structure and types of plants.

### Step 2: Identify the Types of Plants
Gymnosperms typically include:
- **Trees:** Examples include pine (Pinus) and cycads (Cycus).
- **Shrubs:** Some gymnosperms can also be shrubs, such as Ephedra.

**Hint:** Think about the common examples of gymnosperms that you know.

### Step 3: Determine What Gymnosperms Do Not Include
The question specifically asks what gymnosperms do not include. In this case, while they can include trees and shrubs, they do not typically include:
- **Herbs:** Gymnosperms are not known for herbaceous plants (plants that have a soft stem and die back to the ground after growing season).

**Hint:** Focus on the characteristics of gymnosperms and compare them with the characteristics of herbs.

### Step 4: Conclude the Answer
Based on the analysis, the correct answer is that gymnosperms do not include herbs.

**Final Answer:** Gymnosperms do not include herbs.

### Summary of Steps:
1. Understand what gymnosperms are.
2. Identify the types of plants that gymnosperms include (trees and shrubs).
3. Determine what they do not include (herbs).
4. Conclude that the answer is herbs.