Question

Which one of the following statements is not true about Pteridophytes?

• A. Pteridophytes are called vascular cryptogams
• B. Most of the pteridophytes are homosporous
• C. The dominant phase in the life cycle is the gametophytic plant body
• D. Leaves in Pteridophytes are small (microphylls) as in Selaginella or large (macrophylls) as in ferns

Answer 1

The correct option is C The dominant phase in the life cycle is the gametophytic plant body

In pteridophytes, the main plant body is a diploid sporophyte which is differentiated into true root, stem and leaves which is diploid sporophytic. These organs possess well-differentiated vascular tissues but produce neither flowers nor seeds. Hence, pteridophytes are referred to as vascular cryptogams.
Most of the pteridophytes produce spores of similar kinds. Such plants are called homosporous. But some like Salvinia produce two kinds of spores, macro (large) and micro (small) spores, known as heterosporous.
Leaves in Pteridophytes may be small (microphylls) as in Selaginella or large (macrophylls) as in ferns.