Select the incorrect statement w.r.t. Cycas

Options

A. Have specialised roots called coralloid roots which are associated with N2 fixing cyanobacteria
B. it is heterosporous
C. It has pinnate leaves which persist for few years,(
D. It bears branched stems

Answer

To solve the question of selecting the incorrect statement with respect to Cycas, we will analyze each of the statements provided about Cycas and determine their accuracy.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Characteristics of Cycas**:
- Cycas is a genus of plants that belongs to the group known as Gymnosperms. Gymnosperms are non-flowering plants that produce seeds that are not enclosed in an ovary.

2. **Check for Specialized Roots**:
- Cycas has specialized roots known as coralloid roots. These roots are associated with nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria, which help in nitrogen fixation.

3. **Determine Spores Type**:
- Cycas is heterosporous, meaning it produces two types of spores:
- Megaspores (large spores) which develop into female gametophytes.
- Microspores (small spores) which develop into male gametophytes.

4. **Examine Leaf Structure**:
- The leaves of Cycas are pinnate, meaning they have a feather-like appearance and persist for several years.

5. **Analyze Stem Structure**:
- Cycas has an unbranched stem. This is a key characteristic that differentiates it from many other gymnosperms which typically have branched stems.

6. **Dioecious Nature**:
- Cycas is dioecious, meaning male and female reproductive structures (cones) are found on separate plants.

7. **Review the Statements**:
- Now, we will review the statements given in the question:
- Statement 1: Cycas has specialized roots called coralloid roots associated with nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria. (Correct)
- Statement 2: Cycas is heterosporous. (Correct)
- Statement 3: Cycas has pinnate leaves that persist for a few years. (Correct)
- Statement 4: Cycas bears branched stems. (Incorrect)

8. **Conclusion**:
- The incorrect statement regarding Cycas is that it bears branched stems. Cycas actually has an unbranched stem.

### Final Answer:
The incorrect statement with respect to Cycas is **option 4**: "It bears branched stems."