Chapter 23, Problem 4STP

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Seedless vascular plants do have vascular cells but do not have the seeds. They use haploid unicellular spores to reproduce instead of seed. The spores are so light in weight that they are easilydispersed by wind. They depend on water for the fertilization of spores because the sperm must get the layer of moisture to reach the egg. They have an alternation of generation in their life cycle, the diploid sporophyte alternates with the haploid gametophyte.

Answer to Problem 4STP

Correct answer:

The correct answer is option (B)gametophytes.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

Option (B) gametophyte. The seedless vascular plants have an alternation of generation in their life cycle, the diploid sporophyte alternates with the haploid gametophyte.So, the correct answer is option (B).

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option (A)epiphytes. The epiphyte plants are those that anchor on other plants or objects. They include lycophyte. So, this is an incorrect option.

Option (C) rhizomes. Rhizome is the sporophyte that forms the root and a thick underground stem. It is the food storage organ of ferns.So, this is an incorrect answer.

Option (D) spore. The sporophytic generation in seedless vascular plants is diploid but it has alteration of generations with haploid gametophyte.So, this is an incorrect answer.