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Multiple Choice
The gametophyte stage of the plant life cycle is most conspicuous in which of the following groups?
A
Flowering plants (Angiosperms)
B
Conifers (Gymnosperms)
C
Ferns (Pteridophytes)
D
Mosses (Bryophytes)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the plant life cycle: Plants alternate between two stages in their life cycle—sporophyte (diploid) and gametophyte (haploid). The gametophyte produces gametes (sperm and egg cells), while the sporophyte produces spores.
Recognize the dominance of stages in different plant groups: In flowering plants (Angiosperms) and conifers (Gymnosperms), the sporophyte stage is dominant, meaning the gametophyte is reduced and less conspicuous. In ferns (Pteridophytes), the sporophyte is also dominant, but the gametophyte is still visible as a small, independent structure.
Focus on mosses (Bryophytes): In mosses, the gametophyte stage is dominant and most conspicuous. The green, leafy structure commonly seen in mosses is the gametophyte, while the sporophyte is smaller and dependent on the gametophyte for nutrients.
Compare the groups: Flowering plants, conifers, and ferns all have a dominant sporophyte stage, making their gametophyte less noticeable. Mosses are unique in having a dominant gametophyte stage, which is why it is the correct answer.
Conclude: The gametophyte stage is most conspicuous in mosses (Bryophytes) because it is the dominant stage in their life cycle, unlike the other plant groups listed.