Question

The heterosporous species, the female gametophyte remains on the parent sporophytes for variable periods.

Answer 1

Unlike bryophytes and pteridophytes, in gymnosperms the male and the female gametophytes do not have an independent free-living existence. They remain within the sporangia retained on the sporophytes. The female gametophytes in these plants are retained on the parent sporophytes for variable periods.