Gymnosperms do not depend on water for reproduction because they have evolved a unique method of reproduction that does not require water for the transfer of sperm to the egg. Instead of producing seeds enclosed within a fruit, like angiosperms, gymnosperms produce naked seeds that are exposed on the surface of specialized structures called cones or strobili.
The male gametes (sperm) are produced in pollen grains, which are carried by the wind to reach the female gametes (eggs) on the surface of the ovule. This method of reproduction, known as pollination, allows gymnosperms to reproduce without the need for water to transport the sperm to the egg.
Additionally, gymnosperms have a tough outer coating on their seeds that helps protect them from drying out and allows them to be dispersed by wind or animals. This adaptation further reduces their dependence on water for reproduction.
Overall, the unique reproductive adaptations of gymnosperms allow them to thrive in a variety of environments, including dry and arid regions where water may be scarce.