GYMNOSPERMS

Gymnosperms have evolved seed production, something that was not present in more primitve plant groups (such as ferns and mosses). However, they have not evolved flowers. The name "gymnosperm" literally translates to "naked seed". They represent an important evolutionary transition between spore plants and flowering plants. Although explosive speciation of plants truly began in angiosperms, the persistence of many gymnosperm species to this day proves they still have a valuable and stable ecological role.

Major Gymnosperm Groups

There are four major clades of gymnosperms recognized

Name	Common Name/Examples	Notable feature(s)	Botany	Photo
Cycadophyta	Cycad	WIP	WIP	Source
Gingkophyta	Gingko	Fan-shaped leaves with spreading venation	WIP	Source
Pinophyta	Conifers Pine Cypress	Reproductive structure a cone Leaves often highly reduced and needle-like	WIP	Source
Gnetophyta	Ephedra Weltwischia Gnetaceae	Sort of an "odd-ball" clade that encompasses gymnosperms that do not fit into the other 3 clades	Believed to be closest to angiosperms	Source