Question

in 1994, naturalists in Australia discovered a new genus and species of conifer, Wollemia nobilis, growing in a remote area not far from the city of Sydney. This was the first new conifer discovered since 1948. Wollemi pine (not really a pine) is in a family that had global distribution in the Crustaceous period. Scientists used a variety of different evidence to decide where this rare tree should be placed in the "Tree of Life." What evidence would be necessary to determine that this is in the phylum Coniferophyta?

Answer 1

The following should be the characteristics exhibited by the plant to place it under the phylum Coniferophyta:

1. Only the male cones should possess the tendency to generate pollens.

2. The plant should have the stems, leaves, and roots in the form of vegetative organs.

3. Possess the tendency to generate pinecones.

4. The plant should possess leaves in the form of a needle that stays green throughout the annum.

5. The leaves of the plants should possess cuticle deposition.