Practice question

Conifers bear reproductive structures termed cones or strobili, unisexual aggregations monoecious or dioecious: pollen cones small ephemeral herbaceous quickly shedding releasing wind-borne saccate pollen, seed cones larger persistent woody supporting ovuliferous scale complexes each bearing two inverted ovules developing into winged seeds. Flowers require perianth calyx corolla enclosing stamens carpels plus receptacle, found only angiosperms with double fertilization. Sori refer to clustered fern sporangia on frond underside, sporocarps specialized sporophyll enclosures in water ferns. Cone scales protect gametophytes overwinter, maturation often second year biennial, reflecting adaptation to seasonal climates and predation pressure and efficient seed dispersal strategies.