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Multiple Choice
In the life cycle of mosses, where does fertilization typically occur?
A
Inside the capsule of the sporophyte
B
On the surface of the leaf
C
Within the archegonium of the gametophyte
D
In the rhizoid cells
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the life cycle of mosses: Mosses have a haploid-dominant life cycle, meaning the gametophyte (haploid stage) is the prominent phase. The gametophyte produces reproductive structures called archegonia (female) and antheridia (male).
Recognize the role of the archegonium: The archegonium is the female reproductive structure located on the gametophyte. It is flask-shaped and contains the egg cell where fertilization occurs.
Identify the process of fertilization: Fertilization in mosses requires water for the sperm to swim from the antheridium to the archegonium. Once the sperm reaches the archegonium, it fuses with the egg cell to form a diploid zygote.
Clarify the location of fertilization: Fertilization occurs specifically within the archegonium of the gametophyte, not in the sporophyte capsule, leaf surface, or rhizoid cells.
Connect fertilization to the next stage: After fertilization, the zygote develops into the sporophyte, which remains attached to the gametophyte and eventually produces spores for the next generation.