Describe the important characteristics of gymnosperms. 

Important features of gymnosperms are:
(a) The plant bears naked seeds i.e., the seeds of these plants are not enclosed in ovary walls.
(b) They include medium sized trees, or tall trees and shrubs.
(c) Generally tap root is present and some plants have fungal association called Mycorrhiza which fix nitrogen from atmosphere. The stem can be or un-branched.  Leaves can be simple or compound and may be needle like having sunken stomata. 
(d) Gymnosperms are heterosporous. They bear two kinds of spores – microspores and megaspores.
(e) Flowers are absent. The microsporophylls and megasporophylls are arranged to form compact male and female cones.
(f) The male and the female gametophytes do not have an independent existence. The male and female gametophytes are dependent on the sporophyte.
(g) Pollination occurs mostly through wind.