Consider the following statements with reference to the Cycad Plants:1...
Oldest surviving plant species
- Cycad plants are considered to be the oldest surviving plant species on Earth.
- They have been around for over 280 million years, dating back to the time of dinosaurs.
- These plants have survived major environmental changes and have adapted to various conditions over the years.
Gymnosperms and cone reproduction
- Cycad plants are gymnosperms, which means they produce seeds that are not enclosed within an ovary or fruit.
- They reproduce using cones, similar to other gymnosperms like conifers.
- The male cones produce pollen, which is then transferred to the female cones for fertilization.
- This method of reproduction is characteristic of gymnosperms and distinguishes them from angiosperms, which have enclosed seeds within fruits.
Therefore, both statements given in the question are correct. Cycad plants are indeed the oldest surviving plant species on Earth, and they are gymnosperms that reproduce using cones.