Funaria is included in Bryophytes because-a)Heteromorphic alternation ...
The gametophyte comprises the main plant (the green moss or liverwort), while the diploid sporophyte is much smaller and is attached to the gametophyte. The haploid stage, in which a multicellular haploid gametophyte develops from a spore and produces haploid gametes, is the dominant stage in the bryophyte life cycle.
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Funaria is included in Bryophytes because-a)Heteromorphic alternation ...
Explanation:
Funaria is included in Bryophytes because the sporophyte of Funaria is attached to the gametophyte. Let's understand this in detail:
What are Bryophytes?
Bryophytes are a group of non-vascular plants that lack true roots, stems, and leaves. They are the simplest and most primitive land plants. The life cycle of bryophytes shows an alternation of generations, with a dominant gametophyte stage and a dependent sporophyte stage.
Life cycle of Bryophytes:
The life cycle of bryophytes involves two distinct stages - the gametophyte and the sporophyte.
1. Gametophyte: The gametophyte is the dominant, photosynthetic stage of bryophytes. It is haploid (n) and produces gametes through mitosis. The gametophyte of Funaria is a leafy structure called a protonema, which develops into a leafy gametophore. The male gametophyte produces antheridia, which produce sperm, while the female gametophyte produces archegonia, which produce eggs.
2. Sporophyte: The sporophyte is a diploid (2n) stage that develops from the fertilization of the egg by sperm. In Funaria, the sporophyte is attached to the gametophyte by a structure called a seta. The sporophyte consists of a foot, a seta, and a capsule. The foot is embedded in the gametophyte tissue and absorbs nutrients from it. The seta is a stalk-like structure that elevates the capsule. The capsule contains spores that are released into the environment.
Why is Funaria included in Bryophytes?
Funaria is included in Bryophytes because of the following reasons:
- Attachment of sporophyte to gametophyte: In Funaria, the sporophyte is attached to the gametophyte by a seta. This means that the sporophyte remains dependent on the gametophyte for nutrition and support. This is a characteristic feature of bryophytes.
- Alternation of generations: Funaria, like other bryophytes, exhibits alternation of generations, with a dominant gametophyte stage and a dependent sporophyte stage. This is another characteristic feature of bryophytes.
- Lack of xylem: While it is true that Funaria lacks true roots and xylem, this is not the main reason for its inclusion in Bryophytes. The absence of xylem is a general characteristic of bryophytes, but it is not unique to Funaria.
Therefore, the correct answer is option C - Funaria is included in Bryophytes because its sporophyte is attached to the gametophyte. This attachment and the overall alternation of generations are the defining characteristics of bryophytes.