A plant species is observed to have ovules that are not enclosed by any ovary wall and remain exposed. Which of the following additional characteristics will this plant definitely exhibit?

Step-by-step solution

The presence of ovules that are not enclosed by an ovary wall and remain exposed is the defining characteristic of gymnosperms. Unlike bryophytes and pteridophytes, in gymnosperms the male and the female gametophytes do not have an independent free-living existence. They remain within the sporangia retained on the sporophyte. Double fertilization is a characteristic feature of angiosperms. An independent, free-living gametophyte is seen in bryophytes and pteridophytes. The complete absence of vascular tissues is a