Which set of plants represents gymnosperms which grow in a temperate area with a branched stem and are having needle-like leaves to reduce the surface area ?

Options

A. Cedrus , Eucalyptus
B. Cycas, wolffia
C. Cycas, Ginkgo
D. Pinus, Cedrus

Answer

To solve the question regarding which set of plants represents gymnosperms that grow in temperate areas with branched stems and needle-like leaves, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Characteristics of Gymnosperms
- Gymnosperms are non-flowering plants that produce naked seeds, typically found in cones.
- They often have adaptations to survive in specific environments, such as needle-like leaves to reduce water loss.

**Hint:** Recall that gymnosperms are characterized by their seed structure and leaf adaptations.

### Step 2: Identify the Environment
- The question specifies that we are looking for gymnosperms that grow in temperate regions, which are typically cold and may have high altitudes.
- In these regions, plants often have needle-like leaves to minimize water loss.

**Hint:** Temperate regions are characterized by distinct seasons and can be cold, influencing plant adaptations.

### Step 3: Analyze the Options
- **Option 1: Cedrus and Eucalyptus**
- Cedrus (Cedar) is a coniferous tree that fits the description, but Eucalyptus is a flowering plant native to Australia, not a gymnosperm.

- **Option 2: Cycus and Wolffia**
- Cycus is a non-flowering plant, but it does not have needle-like leaves and prefers warmer climates. Wolffia is the smallest flowering plant and aquatic, not a gymnosperm.

- **Option 3: Cycus and Ginkgo**
- Cycus is not a coniferous plant, and Ginkgo, while a gymnosperm, does not have needle-like leaves and is native to China, not specifically temperate regions.

- **Option 4: Pinus and Cedrus**
- Both Pinus (Pine) and Cedrus (Cedar) are coniferous trees that grow in temperate regions, have branched stems, and possess needle-like leaves.

**Hint:** Compare each option against the characteristics of gymnosperms and their preferred habitats.

### Step 4: Conclusion
- After analyzing all the options, the correct answer is **Pinus and Cedrus**, as both are gymnosperms that meet all the criteria mentioned in the question.

**Final Answer:** The set of plants that represents gymnosperms which grow in a temperate area with a branched stem and needle-like leaves is **Pinus and Cedrus**.

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