A newly discovered plant was found to be a gymnosperm because it

Options

A. lacks ovary but possesses exposed ovules
B. possesses xylem vessels
C. bears pollen grains
D. develops fruits

Answer

To determine why the newly discovered plant is classified as a gymnosperm, we can analyze the options provided:

1. **Lax ovary**: Gymnosperms do not have a true ovary; instead, they have exposed ovules. This means that the seeds are not enclosed in a fruit. Therefore, this option aligns with the defining characteristics of gymnosperms.

2. **Possesses xylem vessels**: While gymnosperms do have xylem, the presence of xylem vessels is not exclusive to gymnosperms. Angiosperms (flowering plants) also possess xylem vessels. Thus, this option does not specifically indicate that the plant is a gymnosperm.

3. **Deer pollen grain**: This option seems to be a typographical error, as it likely refers to "pollen grains." However, pollen grains are also found in angiosperms. Therefore, this does not uniquely identify the plant as a gymnosperm.

4. **Developed fruits**: Gymnosperms do not produce fruits as they lack ovaries. Fruits are developed from the ovary after fertilization in angiosperms. Thus, this option is incorrect for gymnosperms.

Based on the analysis of these options, the correct answer is:

**The newly discovered plant was found to be a gymnosperm because it has a lax ovary, which means it possesses exposed ovules instead of a true ovary.**