Question

Match the plant with the kind of life cycle it exhibits. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

	List - I		List - II
(a)	Spirogyra	(i)	Dominant diploid sporophyte vascular plant, with highly reduced male or female gametophyte
(b)	Fern	(ii)	Dominant haploid free-living gametophyte
(c)	Funaria	(iii)	Dominant diploid sporophyte alternating with reduced gametophyte called prothallus
(d)	Cycas	(iv)	Dominant haploid leafy gametophyte alternating with partially dependent multicellular sporophyte

• A. (a)- (iv); (b) - (i); (c) - (ii);(d) - (iii)
• B. (a)- (ii); (b) - (iii); (c) - (iv);(d) - (i)
• C. (a)- (iii); (b) - (iv); (c) - (i);(d) - (ii)
• D. (a)- (ii); (b) - (iv); (c) - (i);(d) - (iii)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To match the plants with their life cycles, consider the following descriptions and explanations:

1. Spirogyra: It is an algae that predominantly showcases the gametophyte phase. Thus, it exhibits a dominant haploid free-living gametophyte. Therefore, (a) matches with (ii).
2. Fern: Ferns exhibit a life cycle with a dominant diploid sporophyte that alternates with a reduced gametophyte known as the prothallus. Hence, (b) matches with (iii).
3. Funaria: This is a moss, and mosses are known for having a life cycle where the dominant form is the haploid leafy gametophyte. The sporophyte is multicellular, but it is partially dependent on the gametophyte. Therefore, (c) matches with (iv).
4. Cycas: It is a gymnosperm, which exhibits a dominant diploid sporophyte. The gametophyte generations are highly reduced. Hence, (d) matches with (i).

Thus, the correct match is:

(a)- (ii); (b) - (iii); (c) - (iv);(d) - (i)

Answer 2

Spirogyra: Sporophytic generation is represented only by the one-celled zygote. There are no free-living sporophytes. The dominant, photosynthetic phase in such plants is the free-living gametophyte.
Fern: The diploid sporophyte is represented by a dominant, independent, photosynthetic, vascular plant body. It alternates with multicellular, saprophytic/autotrophic, independent but short-lived haploid gametophyte.
Funaria: Dominant haploid leafy gametophyte alternating with partially dependent multicellular sporophyte.
Cycas: Dominant diploid sporophyte vascular plant, with highly reduced male or female gametophyte. This is found in all gymnosperms (Cycas) and angiosperms.