Give common characteristics of Gymnosperms plants.

(N/A) $\rightarrow$ Gymnosperms are plants that range from the smallest to the tallest sizes.
$\rightarrow$ $Sequoia$ is one of the tallest redwood trees.
$\rightarrow$ Gymnosperms are plants in which the ovules are not enclosed by any ovary wall and remain exposed,both before and after fertilization.
$\rightarrow$ The seeds that develop post-fertilization are not covered,i.e.,they are naked.
$\rightarrow$ The plant body is a sporophyte,which is differentiated into root,stem,and leaves.
$\rightarrow$ Leaves are of two types: $(i)$ compound leaves and $(ii)$ simple leaves.
$\rightarrow$ They are always green,perennial trees or shrubs. They show characteristics of xerophytic plants.
$\rightarrow$ Roots are normally taproots. In some species,there is a fungal association in the form of mycorrhiza (e.g.,$Pinus$). In others (e.g.,$Cycas$),specialized coralloid roots are associated with $N_2$-fixing cyanobacteria.
$\rightarrow$ Stems are unbranched (e.g.,$Cycas$) or branched (e.g.,$Pinus$,$Cedrus$).
$\rightarrow$ In $Cycas$,the pinnate leaves persist for a few years.
$\rightarrow$ The leaves in gymnosperms are well-adapted to withstand extremes of temperature,humidity,and wind.
$\rightarrow$ In conifers,the needle-like leaves reduce the surface area. Their thick cuticle and sunken stomata help to reduce water loss.