Question

Male and female gametophytes are independent and free-living in -

• A. Sphagnum
• B. Pinus
• C. Castor
• D. Mustard

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Sphagnum

The correct option is A.

Explanation of the correct option:

1. In Sphagnum, male and female gametophytes are independent and free of living.
2. Sphagnum comes under the class of bryophytes; the most important phase in the life cycle is the gametophyte.
3. Gametophytes are the cells that undergo division to produce spores and new plants.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option B:

1. Male and female gametophytes are dependent on each other and free-living in gymnosperms (Pinus).
2. They are found in the sporangia on the sporophytes, which are the female gametophytes in megasporangium and male gametes in microsporangium.

Option C:

1. Castor comes under the class of angiosperms; their main plant body is sporophytic.
2. The gametophyte is highly reduced, and the sporophyte is completely dependent on the gametophyte.

Option D:

1. Mustard comes under the class angiosperm; their main plant body is sporophytic.
2. The gametophyte is highly reduced, and the gametophyte is completely dependent on the sporophyte.

Final answer: Male and female gametophytes are independent and free-living in Sphagnum.