Final Answer:
An example of an extant group of ancient gymnosperms is the Cycads (Cycadales).
Step-by-step explanation:
Cycads belong to the order Cycadales and are a group of gymnosperms that have persisted since ancient times. These plants have a distinctive appearance, often resembling palm trees with stout trunks and large, compound leaves. Cycads are known for their evolutionary resilience, having survived for over 200 million years. They reproduce via cones and are typically found in tropical and subtropical regions.
The term "gymnosperms" refers to a group of seed-producing plants that include conifers, cycads, Ginkgo biloba, and gnetophytes. Gymnosperms are characterized by the lack of a protective fruit covering for their seeds, which are exposed on the surface of cones or other structures.