Secondary growth generally occurs in

Options

A. monocots
B. dicots
C. gymnosperms
D. both (b) and (c)

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Secondary Growth**: Secondary growth refers to the increase in the width or diameter of a plant. It occurs due to the activity of lateral or secondary meristems.

2. **Identifying Lateral Meristems**: The two main types of lateral meristems involved in secondary growth are:
- **Vascular Cambium**: This meristem contributes to the formation of secondary vascular tissues, specifically secondary xylem (wood) and secondary phloem.
- **Cork Cambium**: This meristem produces cork, which serves as a protective layer for the plant.

3. **Types of Plants**: Secondary growth is characteristic of certain groups of plants:
- **Dicots**: These plants typically exhibit secondary growth due to the presence of both vascular cambium and cork cambium.
- **Gymnosperms**: Like dicots, gymnosperms also show secondary growth for the same reasons.

4. **Monocots**: Unlike dicots and gymnosperms, monocots do not exhibit secondary growth. This is because they lack the necessary lateral meristems (vascular cambium and cork cambium).

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the information above, secondary growth generally occurs in dicots and gymnosperms. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that secondary growth occurs in both dicots and gymnosperms.

**Final Answer**: Secondary growth generally occurs in **both dicots and gymnosperms**.

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