What is
heterospory? Briefly comment on its significance. Give two examples.
What is heterospory? Briefly comment on its significance. Give two examples.
Heterospory
is a phenomenon in which two kinds of
spores are borne by the same plant. These spores differ in size. The
smaller one is known as microspore and the larger one is known as
megaspore. The microspore germinates to form the male gametophyte
and the megaspore germinates to form the female gametophyte. The male
gametophyte releases the male gametes and these reach the female
gametophyte to fuse with the egg. The development of the zygote takes
place inside the female gametophyte.
This
retention and germination of the megaspore within the megasporangium
ensures proper development of the zygote. The zygote develops into
the future sporophyte. The evolution of the seed habit is related to
the retention of the megaspore.
Heterospory
is thus considered an important step in evolution as it is a
precursor to the seed habit.
Heterospory
evolved first in pteridophytes such as Selaginella
and Salvinia.
Heterospory is a phenomenon in which two kinds of spores are borne by the same plant. These spores differ in size. The smaller one is known as microspore and the larger one is known as megaspore. The microspore germinates to form the male gametophyte and the megaspore germinates to form the female gametophyte. The male gametophyte releases the male gametes and these reach the female gametophyte to fuse with the egg. The development of the zygote takes place inside the female gametophyte.
This retention and germination of the megaspore within the megasporangium ensures proper development of the zygote. The zygote develops into the future sporophyte. The evolution of the seed habit is related to the retention of the megaspore.
Heterospory is thus considered an important step in evolution as it is a precursor to the seed habit.
Heterospory evolved first in pteridophytes such as Selaginella and Salvinia.
