Question

Which of the following are associated with the life cycle of a fern? Select all that apply.

the sporophyte is the dominant stage
germination of spores forms the sporophyte
the gametophyte attaches to the ground with rhizoids
the sperm swims to the egg to form the spores
the sporophyte grows from a gametophyte
sporangia form on the underside of the sporophyt

Answer 1

The fern life cycle includes a dominant sporophyte stage with sporangia producing spores, which germinate into a gametophyte that attaches to the ground with rhizoids and facilitates fertilization for new sporophyte generation.

Step-by-step explanation:

• In the life cycle of a fern, several stages are essential for their reproduction and growth.
• One of the key aspects of this cycle is that the sporophyte generation is dominant.
• The mature sporophyte bears the recognizable fronds which on their underside, have clusters of sporangia producing spores.
• These spores germinate to form the fern's gametophyte, a small, heart-shaped structure which attaches to the ground with rhizoids.
• The gametophyte produces both sperm and eggs, which leads to fertilization when the sperm swims to the egg.
• Post fertilization, the resulting zygote develops into an embryo and grows into a new sporophyte, completing the cycle.