Select an incorrect statement for gymnosperms

Options

A. Seeds are naked
B. Sequoia is one of the tallest tree species
C. Roots are generally tap roots
D. Stems are branched (Cycas) or unbranched (Pinus, Cedrus)

Answer

To determine the incorrect statement regarding gymnosperms, we will analyze each option provided in the question step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Gymnosperms**: Gymnosperms are a group of non-flowering plants that produce seeds that are not enclosed in an ovary (hence the term "naked seeds").

2. **Evaluating the Options**:
- **Option 1**: "Seeds are naked."
- This statement is **correct**. Gymnosperms are characterized by having naked seeds.

- **Option 2**: "Sequoia is one of the tallest tree species."
- This statement is also **correct**. Sequoia, a type of gymnosperm, is known to be one of the tallest tree species in the world.

- **Option 3**: "Roots are generally tap roots."
- This statement is **correct**. Gymnosperms typically have a tap root system, although some may have other types of roots (e.g., coralloid roots in Cycas).

- **Option 4**: "Stems are branched, Cycas or unbranched, Pinus, Cedrus."
- This statement is **incorrect**. While some gymnosperms like Pinus and Cedrus have branched stems, Cycas typically has an unbranched stem. Therefore, the phrasing of this statement is misleading.

3. **Conclusion**: The incorrect statement among the options is the last one regarding the branching of stems in gymnosperms.

### Final Answer:
The incorrect statement for gymnosperms is: "Stems are branched, Cycas or unbranched, Pinus, Cedrus."

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