Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): Gymnosperms produce naked seeds and do not form fruits. Reason (R): In gymnosperms, the ovules are enclosed by an ovary wall before fertilization but become exposed after fertilization. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Step-by-step solution

Assertion (A) is correct because gymnosperms lack an ovary, which is the anatomical precursor to a fruit. Hence, their seeds are naked and no fruits are formed. Reason (R) is incorrect because in gymnosperms, the ovules are not enclosed by any ovary wall and remain exposed both before and after fertilization. They are never enclosed at any stage of their life cycle. Answer: Assertion (A) is correct but Reason (R) is not correct