Which is intermediate between conifers and cycads ?

Options

A. Tsuga
B. Ephedra
C. Ginkgo
D. Cupressus.

Answer

To determine which plant is intermediate between conifers and cycads, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Groups**:
- Conifers are a group of gymnosperms that produce seeds in cones. They include trees like pines and firs.
- Cycads are another group of gymnosperms that have a more primitive structure and often have large, compound leaves and produce seeds on cones.

2. **Identify the Intermediate**:
- We need to find a plant that shares characteristics of both conifers and cycads.

3. **Examine Ginkgo**:
- The Ginkgo plant, specifically Ginkgo biloba, is known to have features that resemble both conifers and cycads.
- Its seeds are produced on modified leaves, similar to cycads, which produce seeds on their leaves.

4. **Reproductive Characteristics**:
- Ginkgo also has motile sperm, which is a characteristic shared with conifers.
- This means that Ginkgo exhibits traits from both groups.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Since Ginkgo has characteristics of both conifers (motile sperm) and cycads (seed structure), it is considered an intermediate between the two.

### Final Answer:
The plant that is intermediate between conifers and cycads is **Ginkgo**.

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