Question

In gametophytic phase of mosses, the first stage is called ________ whereas the second stage is called ________.

• A. protonema stage, thallus stage
• B. thallus stage, protonema stage
• C. protonema stage, leafy stage
• D. thallus stage, leafy stage

Answer 1

The correct option is C protonema stage, leafy stage

Gametophytic phase of mosses consists of two stages - protonema stage and leafy stage.

The first stage is the protonema stage, which develops directly from a spore. It is a creeping, green, branched and frequently filamentous stage.

The second stage is the leafy stage, which develops from the secondary protonema as a lateral bud. They consist of upright, slender axes bearing spirally arranged leaves. They are attached to the soil through multicellular and branched rhizoids.