Chapter 23, Problem 5A

Summary Introduction

Introduction :

The sporophytic and gametophytic stages are the two stages of fern life cycle. The sporophyte plants are diploid while the gametophyte plants are haploid. This phenomenon of life cycle is considered as alternation of generations. In the very first stage the spores are formed and germinate to grow into small heart-shaped plant that are the gametophytes. Both the egg and sperm cells are formed in the gametophyte and fertilized it, ones the fertilization over the adult fern will start growing. In the second stage of life cycle the fertilized gametophytes look like a mossy growth, and this will develop to young fronds rising out of the moss.

Answer to Problem 5A

Correct answer :

The correct answer is option (A).

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer :

Option (A) smaller than. The sporophyte stage is shorter than the gametophyte stage. The release and germination of spores end the sporophyte stage and begin the gametophyte stage. So, the correct answer is option (A).

Explanation for incorrect answer :

Option (B) larger than. The sporophyte stage is not larger than the gametophyte stage as after germination of spore the gametophyte stage is started.So, this is an incorrect option.

Option (C) always independent of. The sporophyte and gametophyte generation, both are dependent on one another for the production of new fern plant.So, this is an incorrect answer.

Option (D)always depend on. The sporophyte stage not only depends on gametophyte instead both are dependent on one another.So, this is an incorrect answer.