Question
Biology Question on Kingdom Plant
Which of the following gymnosperms is a bushy trailing shrub ?
Ephedra
Cycas
Pinus
Araucaria
Ephedra
Solution
The correct option is: (A) Ephedra
Explanation: Almost all gymnosperms are perennial woody trees, and only a few are bushy, trailing shrubs. Examples include Ephedra and Gnetum.
Ephedra : Ephedra is a shrub of the genus Gymnosperm. It has been used as traditional Chinese medicine for many years in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis.
Cycas : Cycas is a genus of gymnosperms; it is a type of seed plant called a Cycad. Cycads are not bushy, trailing gymnosperms; instead, they have a trunk or stem from which their leaves emerge (consisting of large compound leaves).
Pinus : Pinus belongs to the coniferous group of gymnosperms. They are well-known as pine trees, characterized by tall, straight trunks and needle-like leaves arranged in clusters. Pines are typically recognized for their cone-bearing structures.
Araucaria : Araucaria is a genus of coniferous trees belonging to the family Araucariaceae. These trees typically have a straight, upright trunk with branches radiating outward in a more or less regular pattern.
Therefore, the correct option is A) Ephedra.