The male trees of a plant with vascular tissue and cones have multiflagellated sperm. The female trees produce rotten-smelling fleshy seeds that contain butyric acid. Which of the following is the most logical conclusion about the classification of this plant?

a. It belongs to the phylum Coniferophyta.

b. It belongs to the phylum Cycadophyta.

c. It belongs to the phylum Gingkophyta.

d. It belongs to the phylum Gnetophyta.

c. It belongs to the phylum Gingkophyta.

Explanation:

The tree in question is Ginkgo biloba, a tree belongs to the phylum Gingkophyta. It is a conifer. This species is the last species of this phylum, so often Ginkgo is called as 'living fossil'. The male plant bears the male cone which produces multiflagellated sperms. Since it is a memebr of gymnospserm, it has well developed vascular tissue. The female trees produce fruits. The fruits emit very bad smell when left on the ground to rot. The rotting fruit releases butyric acid from the fleshy fruit wall sarcotesta.

Answer: C. Phylum Gingkophyta.