Question

In bryophytes and pteridophytes, transport of male gametes requires
A) Wind
B) Insects
C) Birds
D) Water

Answer 1

Hint: In order to promote fertilisation, male and female gametes need to be physically taken together. Male gametes are motile in most cases, and female gametes are fixed. Both forms of gametes are movable in a few algae and fungi.

Complete Answer:
Most primitive land plants, Bryophytes, mainly thrive in damp and shaded areas. . The 'Vascular Cryptogams' are best known as Pteridophytes because they provide vascular tissue for food and water content conduction. Among bryophytes and seed plants, they occupy an intermediate role.

Now, let us find the solution from the options-
- In pteridophytes and bryophytes, water is essential for the transport of male gametes. As water is necessary for the completion of their life cycle, bryophytes are classified as amphibians of the plant kingdom. Thus, option A is not the correct option.
- The male gametes are free-swimming sperm cells formed by reproductive structures known as antheridia which require water to carry them to the female gametes, which are contained within structures known as archegonia. Thus, option B is not the correct option.
- Bryophytes are particularly prevalent in wet environments like bogs, stream banks, and in damp forests hence the need for water. Thus, option C is not the correct option.
- To enter the female gamete, the male gamete requires water through which it can move. In many basic plants, water acts as the channel by which gamete transfer takes place.

Thus, the correct answer is option (D) water.

Note: In pteridophytes and bryophytes, mitospores are completely absent. Sexual reproduction in both classes is oogamous in nature. Multicellular sex organs are present in pteridophytes and bryophytes.