Cycas and Ginkgo are connecting links between

Options

A. Barophytes and pteridophytes
B. Pteridophytes and gymnosperms
C. Gymnosperms and angiosperms
D. Thallophytla and bryophylta

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about the relationship of Cycas and Ginkgo as connecting links between different groups of plants.

2. **Defining Connecting Links**: Connecting links, also known as transition plants, are species that exhibit characteristics of two different groups of organisms, showing evolutionary connections between them.

3. **Identifying Cycas**: Cycas is a member of the Cycadaceae family, which is classified as a gymnosperm. It is characterized by its height (up to 12 meters or more) and has a crown of large compound leaves. Cycas is also dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female plants.

4. **Identifying Ginkgo**: Ginkgo, specifically Ginkgo biloba, is also a gymnosperm. It is known for its large fan-shaped leaves and belongs to the division Ginkgophyta. Like Cycas, Ginkgo has sperm with multiple flagella, which is an ancestral trait.

5. **Comparing Cycas and Ginkgo**: Both Cycas and Ginkgo share certain characteristics, such as being gymnosperms and having similar reproductive structures (sperms with multiple flagella). They are considered sister taxa and are ancestral to conifers.

6. **Determining the Connecting Link**: Since both Cycas and Ginkgo are gymnosperms and exhibit traits that connect them to earlier plant forms (like pteridophytes), they serve as connecting links between pteridophytes and gymnosperms.

7. **Evaluating the Options**:
- Bryophytes and Pteridophytes: Incorrect, as Cycas and Ginkgo are not linked to bryophytes.
- Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms: Correct, as Cycas and Ginkgo connect these two groups.
- Gymnosperms and Angiosperms: Incorrect, as they do not connect to angiosperms.
- Thallophyta and Bryophyta: Incorrect, as they do not connect to these groups.

8. **Conclusion**: The correct answer is that Cycas and Ginkgo are connecting links between pteridophytes and gymnosperms.

**Final Answer**: Cycas and Ginkgo are connecting links between Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms.

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