Final answer:
The most common group of gymnosperms today is the Coniferophyta division, or conifers, which include species such as pines and firs, adapted to cold and dry climates and widely used for timber and paper pulp.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common group of gymnosperms alive today is the Coniferophyta division, known as conifers. This group includes species such as pines, firs, spruces, and redwoods, which are predominantly woody plants found at high altitudes and latitudes.
The Coniferophyta phylum is by far the largest, with the majority of gymnosperm species. On the other hand, the Cycadophyta division, which resembles palm trees, tends to be most abundant in tropical climates. Conversely, the diversity of gymnosperms is lower compared to angiosperms, with only about 1,000 living species across four major divisions, while angiosperms have hundreds of thousands.
Specifically, conifers are well adapted to cold and dry weather, as their thin, needle-like leaves with a waxy cuticle help reduce water loss and allow snow to easily slide off. Examples of coniferous trees include pines, firs, cedar, and sequoias, which are also harvested for paper pulp and timber.