Which of the following statements is incorrect in gymnosperms gametophytes?

Options

A. Male and female gametophytes are free living
B. Most of them have narrow leaves with thick cuticle
C. Their seeds are not covered
D. They are heterosporous

Answer

To determine which statement is incorrect regarding gymnosperms' gametophytes, we need to analyze each of the provided statements carefully.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Gymnosperms**: Gymnosperms are a group of seed-producing plants that include conifers. They are characterized by having seeds that are not enclosed in an ovary (hence the term "naked seeds").

2. **Identifying the Statements**:
- **Statement 1**: Male and female gametophytes are free-living.
- **Statement 2**: Most of them have narrow leaves with thick cuticle.
- **Statement 3**: Their seeds are not covered.
- **Statement 4**: They are heterosporous.

3. **Analyzing Each Statement**:
- **Statement 1**: Male and female gametophytes are free-living.
- This statement is incorrect. In gymnosperms, male and female gametophytes do not exist independently; they are dependent on the sporophyte for their nutrition and development.

- **Statement 2**: Most of them have narrow leaves with thick cuticle.
- This statement is correct. Gymnosperms typically have needle-like leaves with a thick cuticle to reduce water loss, which is an adaptation to their environment.

- **Statement 3**: Their seeds are not covered.
- This statement is correct. Gymnosperms produce seeds that are exposed and not enclosed within a fruit, which aligns with the definition of gymnosperms.

- **Statement 4**: They are heterosporous.
- This statement is correct. Gymnosperms produce two types of spores: microspores (male) and megaspores (female), which is a characteristic of heterosporous plants.

4. **Conclusion**: The incorrect statement regarding gymnosperms' gametophytes is **Statement 1**: Male and female gametophytes are free-living.

### Final Answer:
The incorrect statement is: **Male and female gametophytes are free-living.**

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