[Campbell Biology P.683] Which of the following statements accurately highlights a key diffe... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements accurately highlights a key difference between the life cycles of bryophytes e.g., mosses and seedless vascular plants e.g., ferns ?

  • A: In bryophytes, the sporophyte is the dominant generation, while in seedless vascular plants, the gametophyte is dominant.
  • B: Bryophytes require water for fertilization, whereas seedless vascular plants do not.
  • C: The sporophyte of bryophytes is dependent on the gametophyte for nourishment, while the sporophyte of seedless vascular plants is independent.
  • D: Seedless vascular plants lack true roots, stems, and leaves, unlike bryophytes.

Explanation

A key distinction lies in the dominance and independence of the sporophyte generation. In bryophytes, the sporophyte is small, short-lived, and nutritionally dependent on the larger, dominant gametophyte. In contrast, seedless vascular plants like ferns have a dominant, independent sporophyte that is larger and more complex than the gametophyte.