Question

The tallest tree of gymnosperms is
(A) Cycas
(B) Pinus
(C) Sequoia
(D) Cedrus

Answer 1

Trees grow much taller and larger than any terrestrial animal. Just like humans, its genes determine the height but it is also dependent on the competition from the neighbouring trees for sunlight and the availability of resources like water and nutrients.

Complete answer:
Gymnosperm are a group of vascular plants which produce seeds in the form of cones. The seeds are not enclosed inside fruits as in angiosperms. They fall out of the plant once they mature. Hence, they are also known as naked seed plants. The word gymnosperm is derived from Greek which also means naked seed (gymnos means naked; sperma means seed). Now that we have an idea about gymnosperms, let’s find out the tallest tree out of the options given.
Cycas – These gymnosperms are evergreen perennials of an ancient lineage. They are dioecious meaning they have individual male and female plants. They possess both foliage leaves and scaly leaves. Out of all cycas, Cycas pectinata is found to be the tallest with a height of 16.1m. However, they grow very slowly and it might take more than 50 years for them to reach such a height.
Pinus – They are evergreen coniferous trees. It is a widely used popular lumber. The bark of pine is thick and scaly. Four types of foliage can be observed in them: seed leaves, juvenile leaves, scale leaves and needles. Most of the pines are monoecious, i.e., they have the male and female cones in the same tree. They live longer and can reach 15-45m.
Sequoia – These coniferous trees are also called redwoods. They are known for their massiveness. Their barks are fibrous and furrowed. The average height of Sequoiadendron giganteum is 50-85cm. Due to their massive size, the branches at the bottom usually die from being in shade and are also retained.
Cedrus – Commonly known as Cedar, their barks are square cracked or thick ridged. Their wood is also scented. Their leaves are evergreen and produce winged seeds suitable for pollination. They can grow up to 30-40m tall.

Thus, the tallest tree of gymnosperms is (C) Sequoia.

Note: The taller a tree grows, the tougher it becomes for it to transport water and food to other parts of the tree. Interestingly, giant sequoia have adapted to this by using large negative pressures in its xylem. It also has air roots, which supplement water to the extremes.