Reduction division, also known as meiosis, takes place in the life cycle of liverworts during the process of sporogenesis. Liverworts are a type of non-vascular plants belonging to the division Marchantiophyta. They have a distinct life cycle that alternates between two generations, the gametophyte and the sporophyte.

The life cycle of liverworts consists of two main phases: the gametophyte phase and the sporophyte phase. The gametophyte is the dominant and independent phase, while the sporophyte is brief and dependent on the gametophyte. Reduction division occurs during the formation of spores in the sporophyte phase.

1. Gametophyte Phase:
The gametophyte phase begins with the germination of a haploid spore, which develops into a mature gametophyte plant. The gametophyte is a small, leafy structure that produces both male and female sex organs. It is through the gametophyte phase that liverworts reproduce sexually.

2. Reproduction:
The male reproductive structures, known as antheridia, produce sperm cells by mitosis. The female reproductive structures, known as archegonia, produce egg cells. The sperm cells are released from the antheridia and swim through a film of moisture to reach the archegonia. Fertilization occurs when a sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell, forming a diploid zygote.

3. Sporophyte Phase:
After fertilization, the zygote develops into a sporophyte. The sporophyte remains attached to the gametophyte and is dependent on it for nutrition. The sporophyte consists of a foot, seta, and capsule. The capsule contains sporogenous cells, which undergo reduction division to produce spores.

4. Reduction Division (Meiosis):
Reduction division takes place within the sporogenous cells of the sporophyte's capsule. This process involves two consecutive cell divisions, resulting in the formation of haploid spores. The purpose of reduction division is to reduce the chromosome number from diploid to haploid. This is essential for maintaining the correct chromosome number in the liverwort life cycle.

5. Spore Dispersal and Germination:
Once the spores are formed through reduction division, they are released from the capsule of the sporophyte. The spores are dispersed by wind or water and can germinate under favorable conditions. Each spore germinates to form a new haploid gametophyte plant, completing the life cycle of liverworts.

In summary, reduction division takes place in the life cycle of liverworts during the sporophyte phase. It occurs within the sporogenous cells of the sporophyte's capsule and is responsible for the production of haploid spores. These spores are then dispersed, germinate, and develop into new gametophyte plants, continuing the life cycle of liverworts.

In Capsule