6. Both gymnosperms and angiosperms bear seeds, then why are they classified separately?
Both gymnosperms and angiosperms come under the group Spermatophyta or seed-bearing plants. However, angiosperms and gymnosperms are classified separately in Spermatophyta because :
Gymnosperms -
1. The microsporophylls are wide and are not divided into filaments and anthers.
2. The megasporophylls are woody and do not have an ovary, style, or stigma, causing the ovules to remain exposed.
3. Their endosperm is haploid.
4. The seeds produced are exposed since no fruit is formed.
Angiosperms -
1. The microsporophylls are made up of stamens that contain pollen sacs.
2. The megasporophylls are soft and curled, forming carpels that include the ovary, style, and stigma.
3. The resulting endosperm is triploid.
4. Seeds develop inside the fruits.
Hence, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms are classified separately, even though both produce seeds.