To determine which statements about gymnosperms are correct, let's analyze each statement step by step:
### Step 1: Analyze Statement (a)
**Statement (a)**: In gymnosperms, the male and female gametophytes do not have an independent free-living existence.
- **Explanation**: In gymnosperms, the male gametophyte (pollen grain) and the female gametophyte (embryo sac) develop within the reproductive structures of the parent sporophyte. They do not exist independently; instead, they are retained within the cones or ovules of the parent plant. Therefore, this statement is **correct**.
### Step 2: Analyze Statement (b)
**Statement (b)**: In Cycas, foliage leaves are pinnately compound.
- **Explanation**: Cycas is a genus of gymnosperms known for its compound leaves. The foliage leaves of Cycas are indeed pinnately compound, meaning they are divided into leaflets arranged along a central axis. Thus, this statement is also **correct**.
### Step 3: Analyze Statement (c)
**Statement (c)**: The stems are branched in Pinus and Cedrus.
- **Explanation**: Pinus (pine) and Cedrus (cedar) are both genera of gymnosperms. In Pinus, the stems can be branched, and in Cedrus, the branches are also present. Therefore, this statement is **correct**.
### Step 4: Analyze Statement (d)
**Statement (d)**: In Pinus, male cones and female cones are borne on different trees.
- **Explanation**: In Pinus, both male and female cones are typically found on the same tree, although they are located in different parts of the tree. This statement is **incorrect** because it suggests that they are on different trees, which is not the case for most Pinus species.
### Conclusion
After analyzing all statements:
- **Correct Statements**: (a), (b), and (c)
- **Incorrect Statement**: (d)
Thus, the correct statements are (a), (b), and (c).
### Final Answer
The correct statements are (a), (b), and (c).
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