Question

In Dryopteris,

• A. Sporophyte is parasitic over gametophyte.
• B. Sporophyte is independent.
• C. Gametophyte is independent.
• D. Both B and C.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Both B and C.

Dryopteris, is a genus with more than 250 species and is widespread in the temperate zones in northern hemisphere. The diploid sporophyte and haploid gametophyte of Dryopteris regularly alternate with each other. The haploid spore which gives rise to the gametophyte which is the monoecious prothallus and bears sex organs on its ventral side. After fertilization, they give rise to the sporophyte which is the dominant asexual member in the life cycle of the plant and is a perennial evergreen, differentiated into rhizome (stem), roots and leaves. Hence, both the gametophyte and sporophyte are independent of each other.