Question

Choose the incorrect statement with respect to sexual reproduction in liverworts.

• A. The male and female sex organs may be borne on the same or different thalli.
• B. Archegoniophore bears the female sex organ known as the archegonium.
• C. Antheridiophore bears the male sex organ on it is called the antheridium.
• D. Fertilisation cannot occur when water is present in the surrounding medium.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Fertilisation cannot occur when water is present in the surrounding medium.

In liverworts, the male and female sex organs may be borne on the same or different thalli.

The thallus has a stalk-like structure called the archegoniophore, which bears the female sex organ known as the archegonium. The male sex organ antheridium is borne on a stalk-like structure called antheridiophore.

The antheridium produces the male gametes, which are called the antherozoids. The antherozoids are released from the antheridium into water and they can swim in the water using their flagella. Their goal is to reach the archegonium on the same or a different thallus.

So water is essential to carry the male gametes during sexual reproduction in bryophytes.This is one of the major reasons why bryophytes are always found near a water source.