Which plant type is characterized by having cone-bearing species?

The correct answer is Gymnosperms, which are a group of plants that are primarily characterized by their ability to produce seeds that are not enclosed within an ovary or fruit. Instead, these seeds are typically found on the surface of cone scales, which makes gymnosperms known as cone-bearing plants. Common examples include pines, spruces, and firs.

The defining feature of gymnosperms is their reproductive structures, which are in the form of cones. Male cones produce pollen, while female cones house the ovules that develop into seeds after fertilization. This adaptation allows gymnosperms to thrive in a variety of environments, often in conditions where other plant types may struggle.

In contrast, angiosperms, which include flowering plants, have seeds that are enclosed within fruits, distinguishing them from gymnosperms. Mollusca, while an important group of animals, does not pertain to plants and therefore does not fit this question. Pterophyta refers to ferns and similar plants that reproduce via spores rather than seeds, which is another significant difference from the cone-bearing gymnosperms. Thus, gymnosperms are uniquely recognized for their cone-bearing characteristics within the plant kingdom.