Which of the following is a vascular cryptogam

Options

A. (a) Marchantia
B. (b) Cedrus
C. (c) Equisetum
D. (d) Ginkgo

Answer

To determine which of the following is a vascular cryptogam, we need to understand the definitions of vascular plants and cryptogams.

### Step 1: Understand Vascular Plants
Vascular plants are those that have a well-defined vascular system, which includes xylem and phloem.
- **Xylem** is responsible for transporting water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant.
- **Phloem** is responsible for transporting food produced by photosynthesis.

### Step 2: Understand Cryptogams
Cryptogams are plants that reproduce via spores instead of seeds. The term "cryptogam" comes from the Greek words "crypto," meaning hidden, and "gam," meaning seed. These plants have concealed reproductive structures, which is why they do not produce visible seeds.

### Step 3: Identify Vascular Cryptogams
The category of plants that are both vascular and cryptogams is known as **pteridophytes**. Pteridophytes include ferns, horsetails, and clubmosses, which reproduce via spores.

### Step 4: Analyze the Options
Now, let's review the options provided:
1. **Mercantia** - This belongs to the bryophytes, which are non-vascular plants. Therefore, it is not a vascular cryptogam.
2. **Cetrus** - This is a gymnosperm, which is a seed-producing plant. Hence, it is also not a vascular cryptogam.
3. **Equisetum** - This is a pteridophyte, which is both vascular and a cryptogam. Therefore, this is a correct answer.
4. **Ginkgo** - This also belongs to gymnosperms and is not a vascular cryptogam.

### Conclusion
The correct answer is **Equisetum**, as it is a vascular cryptogam.

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