Question

Key features of seed plants facilitating life on land include three of the following four traits. Select the exception.

(A) homospory

(B) pollen

(C) reduced gametophytes

(D) seeds

Short answer

(A) The option “homospory” istrue.

(B) The option “pollen” isfalse.

(C) The option “reduced gametophytes” isfalse.

(D) The option “seeds” is false.

Step-by-step solution

Seed plants

The members of the plant kingdom are of diverse types and are classified into five groups; among these two groups with proper vascular structure and the ability to develop seeds are denoted as seed plants. The group of gymnosperms and angiosperms are seed-forming plants.

Explanation of option ‘(A)’

Homospory is the condition in which plants generate spore cells that have identical structures and sizes. There is no demarcation between the spores. They are produced for an asexual mode of reproduction in some members of pteridophytes and bryophytes.

Thus, the formation of identical spores (homospory) is not a feature of seed plants.

Therefore, the given option is true.

Explanation of option ‘(B)’

The seed plants reproduce sexually, and gametic cells produced by the male and female plants have significant morphological differences. Pollen is the term that defines the structure which generates male gametic cells and is found in seed plants.

Thus, pollen is the gametophytic structure of the male plant and is found in seed plants.

Therefore, the given option is false.

Explanation of option ‘(C)’

Every organism has two stages; sporophytic and gametophytic. The sporophytic body structure dominates the life cycle in seed plants. The gametophyte structure is highly reduced to ensure better survival in harsh land environments.

Thus, the reduced gametophyte present in seed plants facilitated land colonization.

Therefore, the given option is false.

Explanation of option ‘(D)’

The fertilization of the female gamete with the male gametic cell results in the formation of the seed, and this structure of seed plants enclose the embryo. Seed provides protection and food to the embryo cells and increases the survival chances of seed plants.

Thus, the seed is the most crucial structure of seed plants that enhances their survival rate.

Therefore, the given option is false.