Question

Consider the following four statements and find out which of them are wrong.
(A) The sporophyte in liverworts is more elaborate than that in mosses.
(B) Salvinia is heterosporous.
(C) The life-cycle of all seed-bearing plants is diplontic.
(D) In pinus, male and female cones are borne on different trees.

• A. Statements (A) and (C)
• B. Statements (A) and (D)
• C. Statements (B) and (C)
• D. Statements (A) and (B)

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Liverwort sporophytes have a spore-containing capsule. This capsule is spherical to cylindrical in shape and is blackish when mature. The mature capsules split open to release the spores. Within the capsules of most species, there are elaters as well as spores. Elaters are microscopic, spiral-like structures that usually twist or untwist in response to changes in humidity and often help in spore dispersal. Moss spore capsules don't have elaters. Also, the spore capsules in almost all moss species open by a definite method, rather than by splitting. Hence sporophyte is more developed in mosses rather than liverwort.

The plant body of pinus is sporophyte and the plants are monoecious. The plant body is differentiated into roots, stems, and leaves. Pinus plant is sporophyte (2x), heterosporous (producing two types of spores - microspores and megaspores), monoecious (male and female cones are borne on the same plant), and autoecious (male and female cones are borne on different branches). So, options A and D are not correct.