Question

Is alternation of generations a survival strategy?

Answer 1

Alternation of generations:

1. Alternation of generations is the alternation of an asexual phase and a sexual phase in the life cycle of an organism.
2. The sexual phase (gametophyte generation) produces gametes or sex cells, while the asexual phase (sporophyte generation) produces spores asexually.
3. In terms of chromosomes, the sporophyte is diploid (has a double set of chromosomes), and the gametophyte is haploid (has a single set).
4. In bryophytes like mosses and liverworts, the gametophyte is the dominant life phase, whereas in angiosperms and gymnosperms like apple, brinjal, Cycas, and Pinus the sporophyte is dominant.
5. The alternation of generations increases the chances of survival of organisms and helps them adapt better to the environment.
6. So, due to these reasons alternation of generation is a survival strategy.