Answer: Heterospory produces two types of spores which develop into separate male and female gametophytes, a precursor to pollen and ovule.
- A Homospory is sometimes mistakenly thought to directly produce true seeds, while heterospory never forms any seed-like structure
- B Heterospory produces two types of spores which develop into separate male and female gametophytes, a precursor to pollen and ovule
- C Homospory is sometimes mistakenly thought to occur mainly within true ferns, while heterospory is restricted to algae
- D Heterospory is sometimes mistakenly thought to describe the development of two distinct leaf forms rather than two spore types
Correct answer: B. Heterospory produces two types of spores which develop into separate male and female gametophytes, a precursor to pollen and ovule
Explanation: Homospory: one type of spore. Heterospory: microspores (smaller, male) and megaspores (larger, female). This separate sexes at the gametophyte stage. Megaspores retained within the parent sporophyte became the ovule, leading to seed habit.
Plants evolved from water-dependent algae through increasingly land-adapted groups, gaining vascular tissue (Pteridophyta), then seeds (Gymnosperms), and finally fruit-enclosed seeds (Angiosperms) - each step reducing dependence on water for reproduction.
Concept context
Classification of plants from algae to angiosperms. Understanding plant diversity is essential for NEET.