Which one of the following is the major difference between mosses and...
Difference between Mosses and Ferns
Mosses and ferns are two different types of plants. The major difference between these two plants is as follows:
Sporophyte lifespan:
- Mosses have a short-lived sporophyte generation that lasts only for a few months.
- Ferns, on the other hand, have a longer-lived sporophyte generation that can last for years.
Explanation:
- Both mosses and ferns exhibit alternation of generations, which means they have both haploid (n) and diploid (2n) generations in their life cycle.
- Mosses and ferns both require water for sexual reproduction, as they produce sperm and eggs that must fuse in the presence of water to form a zygote.
- In mosses, the sporophyte generation is a small stalk that grows out of the haploid gametophyte (n). The sporophyte produces spores that are released into the environment to grow into a new gametophyte. The sporophyte in mosses is short-lived, usually lasting only a few months.
- In ferns, the sporophyte generation is a large leafy plant that grows out of the haploid gametophyte (n). The sporophyte produces spores that are released into the environment to grow into a new gametophyte. The sporophyte in ferns can be long-lived, lasting for years.
- This difference in sporophyte lifespan is due to the fact that ferns have a more complex vascular system than mosses. Ferns have true roots, stems, and leaves, which allow them to transport water and nutrients more efficiently than mosses.
Therefore, the correct answer is option D, which states that sporophytes of ferns live much longer as compared to the sporophytes of mosses.
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