In plant life cycles, which plants have a dominant gametophyte?

In plant life cycles, which plants have a dominant gametophyte?

• A. Flowers and vines
• B. Trees and bushes
• C. Mosses and liverworts
• D. Grass and Bamboo

Answer: (C)

The main concept is whether the plant life cycle is dominated by the haploid gametophyte or the diploid sporophyte. In mosses and liverworts, the gametophyte is the prominent, long-lasting stage you typically see, while the sporophyte is smaller and usually depends on the gametophyte for nutrition. This makes mosses and liverworts gametophyte-dominant. In contrast, the other groups are vascular and have sporophyte-dominant life cycles, meaning the large, conspicuous plant is the sporophyte and the gametophyte is reduced or dependent (pollen and ovules in seed plants, tiny free-living gametophytes only in some ferns). Therefore, mosses and liverworts are the correct choice.

The main concept is whether the plant life cycle is dominated by the haploid gametophyte or the diploid sporophyte. In mosses and liverworts, the gametophyte is the prominent, long-lasting stage you typically see, while the sporophyte is smaller and usually depends on the gametophyte for nutrition. This makes mosses and liverworts gametophyte-dominant. In contrast, the other groups are vascular and have sporophyte-dominant life cycles, meaning the large, conspicuous plant is the sporophyte and the gametophyte is reduced or dependent (pollen and ovules in seed plants, tiny free-living gametophytes only in some ferns). Therefore, mosses and liverworts are the correct choice.