Final answer:
Gymnosperms are a group of vascular plants that produce seeds in cones. They carry exposed seeds on modified leaves, which are directly attached to specialized leaves called scales within cones.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gymnosperms are a group of vascular plants that produce seeds in cones. One characteristic of gymnosperms is that they carry exposed seeds on modified leaves. This means that the seeds are not enclosed within a fruit or flower like in angiosperms. Instead, they are directly attached to specialized leaves called scales within cones. Examples of gymnosperms include conifers such as pine and spruce trees.