Question

In Pinus, male cone bears a large number of
A. Microsporophyll
B. Megasporophyll
C. Anthers
D. Ligules

Answer 1

Pinus belongs to Gymnosperms. It is monoecious i.e. male and female cones are produced on the same plant. It mainly reproduces through spores. The two spores are the microspores and the megaspores.

Complete answer:
To know the correct answer to the question, we must be well aware of the male reproductive organ or the male cone.
Pinus is heterosporous i.e. it produces more than one spores. The male spore is known as the microspores and the female spore is known as megaspores.
Microspores are produced inside the microsporangium. These microsporangia are produced inside the leaf-like structures called microsporophylls
The megaspores are produced inside similar megasporangium. These megasporangia are produced inside megasporophyll.

Hence, the correct answer to the question is microsporophyll.

The microsporophyll is brown, scaly and triangular having a short stalk. It has a leaf-like expansion known as the apophysis. This apophysis covers the microsporangia and overlaps the upper microsporophyll. The ventral surface of the microsporophyll bears the microsporangia which produces the microspores while the dorsal surface of microsporophyll is sterile.

Additional information :The microspores are produced in large quantities and so they create yellow clouds at the time of their dispersal. This is known as the “shower of sulphur” or “shower of golden dust”.

Note: It must be noted here that the main function of the collenchyma is to provide mechanical support to the plant. Sometimes even chloroplast is present in them, and then these cells also perform photosynthesis.