Answer: Both diploid and haploid phases are free-living and independent.
- A A life cycle consisting mainly of a free-living diploid phase
- B A life cycle consisting mainly of a free-living haploid phase
- C Both diploid and haploid phases are free-living and independent
- D A life cycle in which the organism remains permanently diploid at every stage
Correct answer: C. Both diploid and haploid phases are free-living and independent
Explanation: Diplohaplontic life cycle has BOTH a free-living sporophyte (2n) AND a free-living gametophyte (n). Found in algae like Ulva (sea lettuce) and many pteridophytes. In contrast, angiosperm gametophytes are not free-living.
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.