**Who Coined the Term Gymnosperm?**

The term "gymnosperm" was coined by the botanist Carl Wilhelm von Nägeli in the mid-19th century. Nägeli was a Swiss botanist and a leading figure in the field of plant physiology and morphology during his time. He made significant contributions to the understanding of plant cells, tissues, and reproductive processes.

**Carl Wilhelm von Nägeli:**

Carl Wilhelm von Nägeli was born on March 27, 1817, in Kilchberg, Switzerland. He studied medicine and natural sciences at the University of Munich, where he later became a professor. Nägeli's research focused on various aspects of plant biology, including the structure and function of cells, plant physiology, and the classification of plants.

**Coining the Term "Gymnosperm":**

In the mid-19th century, Nägeli proposed a new classification system for plants based on their reproductive structures. He observed that certain plants, which lacked flowers and produced naked seeds, formed a distinct group. These plants had their seeds exposed directly on the surface of specialized structures, such as cones or scales, rather than being enclosed in fruits.

To describe this group of plants, Nägeli introduced the term "gymnosperm." The word "gymnosperm" is derived from the Greek words "gymnos," meaning "naked," and "sperma," meaning "seed." This term accurately described the characteristic of these plants, where the seeds are not enclosed within a protective ovary or fruit.

Nägeli's classification system, including the term gymnosperm, gained widespread acceptance and is still widely used in botany today. Gymnosperms are a distinct group of seed-producing plants that include conifers, cycads, ginkgos, and gnetophytes. They are characterized by their naked seeds, typically borne on cones or similar structures.

**Conclusion:**

Carl Wilhelm von Nägeli, a Swiss botanist, coined the term "gymnosperm" in the mid-19th century. His observations and classification system revolutionized the understanding of plant reproductive structures and led to the recognition of gymnosperms as a distinct group of plants.