Which one of the following is the major difference between mosses and ...
Major Difference between Mosses and Ferns
Distinguishing between mosses and ferns can be tricky, but the major difference between the two can be attributed to their sporophytes. The correct answer to the given question is D.
Sporophyte Lifespan
The sporophyte generation of ferns lives much longer as compared to the sporophytes of mosses. In mosses, the sporophyte is a small, short-lived structure that is dependent on the gametophyte for nutrition. It develops from the zygote produced by the fusion of male and female gametes during sexual reproduction. The sporophyte consists of a foot, a seta, and a capsule that contains the spores. Once the spores are released, the sporophyte dies.
In contrast, the sporophyte of ferns is a larger, more complex structure that can live for several years. It is also independent of the gametophyte and can produce its own food through photosynthesis. The sporophyte of ferns consists of a rhizome, fronds, and sporangia that contain the spores. The spores are released into the environment, where they can germinate and develop into a new gametophyte.
Other Differences
Although the lifespan of sporophytes is the major difference between mosses and ferns, there are other differences between the two as well. Some of these differences are:
- Alternation of generation: Both mosses and ferns exhibit alternation of generation, which means they have two distinct phases in their life cycle. However, the gametophyte generation is dominant in mosses, while the sporophyte generation is dominant in ferns.
- Aerobic requirements: Both mosses and ferns are aerobic organisms, but mosses are facultative aerobes, which means they can survive in low-oxygen environments. Ferns, on the other hand, are obligate aerobes and require oxygen for survival.
- Vascular bundles: Ferns have vascular bundles that contain xylem vessels, which are specialized structures that transport water and nutrients throughout the plant. Mosses, on the other hand, lack true vascular tissue and rely on diffusion to transport water and nutrients.
Which one of the following is the major difference between mosses and ...
Ferns and moss are both examples of 'primitive plants'. They have not developed all the specialised systems, that modern plants have, although ferns are more highly developed, than mosses. In mosses, sporophytes lack chlorophyll and depend on photosynthetic gametophyte for food, whereas, in ferns, sporophyte stage has true roots, stem and leaves and does not depend on gametophyte.Sporophytes of ferns live much longer as compared to the sporophytes of mosses.
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