Question

Adiantum caudatum is called walking fern due to-

• A. Motile antherozoids
• B. Power of locomotion
• C. Vegetative reproduction
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Vegetative reproduction

The correct option is C.

Explanation of correct option:

1. Adiantum caudatum is a type of fern that belongs to the Pteridaceae family.
2. They develop adventitious buds at leaf tips.
3. They are called ‘walking fern’ due to the fact that new plantlets grow when arching leaves of the fern touch the ground.
4. The walking effect is due to vegetative reproduction. They propagate by leaf tips.

Explanation of incorrect option:

Option A:

In bryophytes and pteridophytes, the male sex organ (antheridium) produces biflagellate male gametes called antherozoids.

Option B:

Adiantum caudatum is called walking fern not because of the power of locomotion. The walking effect arises because of vegetative propagation.

Final answer:

Adiantum caudatum is called a walking fern due to vegetative reproduction.