Question 3
Plant KingdomWhich of the following correctly summarizes the life cycle of a fern plant?
- A.Spore → prothallus → thallus → sporangium
- B.Male and female gamentangia → zygospore → sporangium → spores
- C.Spore → thallus → spermatozoa + ovum → sporangium
- D.Prothallus → spermatozoid + egg cell → leafy plant → sporangium → spore
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: D (Prothallus → spermatozoid + egg cell → leafy plant → sporangium → spore)
Explanation
The fern prothallus (gametophyte) makes sperms and eggs; the zygote grows into the leafy fern plant, which bears sporangia that release spores.