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Multiple Choice
The gametophyte stage of the plant life cycle is most conspicuous in __________.
A
conifers (Gymnosperms)
B
ferns (Pteridophyta)
C
flowering plants (Angiosperms)
D
mosses (Bryophyta)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the plant life cycle: Plants undergo alternation of generations, which includes two main stages—the sporophyte stage (diploid) and the gametophyte stage (haploid). The prominence of these stages varies among plant groups.
Learn about Bryophyta (mosses): In mosses, the gametophyte stage is dominant and most conspicuous. The gametophyte is the green, photosynthetic structure that you commonly recognize as moss.
Compare with other plant groups: In ferns (Pteridophyta), conifers (Gymnosperms), and flowering plants (Angiosperms), the sporophyte stage is dominant and more conspicuous, while the gametophyte stage is reduced and often dependent on the sporophyte.
Recognize the key difference: Mosses (Bryophyta) are unique among these groups because their gametophyte stage is independent and forms the main body of the plant, while the sporophyte is smaller and dependent on the gametophyte.
Conclude the reasoning: Based on the alternation of generations and the characteristics of mosses, the gametophyte stage is most conspicuous in mosses (Bryophyta).