[Campbell Biology P.689] Based on the provided text and Figure 30.4, which statement about p... | Practice Question

Based on the provided text and Figure 30.4, which statement about pine reproduction is correct?

  • A: Pines produce seeds enclosed within fruits.
  • B: Pollination and fertilization in pines typically occur in the same year.
  • C: Both ovulate and pollen cones are usually found on separate pine trees.
  • D: A pine seed contains an embryo (new sporophyte), a food supply from the gametophyte, and a seed coat.

Explanation

Statement D is directly supported by point 8 of Figure 30.4, which states "The ovule becomes a seed, consisting of an embryo, food supply, and seed coat." The food supply is specified as gametophyte tissue n in the diagram. Statement A is incorrect as gymnosperms have "naked" seeds, not enclosed in fruits. Statement B is incorrect because point 8 explicitly mentions "Fertilization usually occurs more than a year after pollination." Statement C is incorrect because point 1 states "each tree has both ovulate and pollen cones."