Question

Male and female gametophytes are independent and free-living in

• A. Castor
• B. Pinus
• C. Sphagnum
• D. Mustand

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The question asks about the type of plants in which both male and female gametophytes are independent and free-living. Let's analyze the given options to identify the correct answer.

1. Castor: This is a flowering plant (angiosperm). In angiosperms, the male and female gametophytes are not free-living. They are dependent on the sporophyte for nutrition. Thus, castor does not have independent gametophytes.
2. Pinus: This is a gymnosperm. In gymnosperms, the gametophytes are somewhat reduced and remain dependent on the sporophyte. Therefore, pinus does not feature independent gametophytes.
3. Sphagnum: This belongs to the group of bryophytes. In bryophytes, both the male (antheridia) and female (archegonia) gametophytes are independent and free-living. Thus, sphagnum correctly matches the requirement described in the question.
4. Mustard: This is also an angiosperm like castor, where the gametophytes are not free-living but are dependent on the sporophyte.

From the above analysis, Sphagnum is identified as the correct answer because it is a bryophyte with independent and free-living male and female gametophytes. Bryophytes are non-vascular plants that exhibit this characteristic feature, where the dominant phase of the lifecycle is the gametophyte phase, unlike angiosperms and gymnosperms.