Question

Fern and moss reproduce by ___________

Answer 1

Hint: Fern is a type of vascular plant that reproduces by the formation of spores and does not produce flowers or seeds. Moss are non-vascular plants that are mostly found in damp or shady regions.

Complete answer:
Ferns have complex leaves and stem which is also known as rhizome. They differ from seed producing plants and vascular plants. The life cycle of ferns is known as alternation of generation since they have a haploid gametophytic phase and a diploid sporophytic phase. The diploid sporophyte undergoes meiosis to produce haploid spores. These haploid spores undergo mitosis to gametophyte which then produces gametes, both eggs and sperms. Finally the sperm fertilizes the egg which produces a diploid zygote that grows to form a mature fern.

Mosses on the other hand are known to comprise of simple leaves as well as simple stem. Mosses comprise of only haploid spores that germinate to produce protonema. The protonema then gets converted into gametophore from where the sex organs of mosses develop. The male organ also known as antheridia fertilizes the female organ which is known as archegonium. This results in the formation of sporophyte which further undergoes meiosis to give rise to haploid spores.

So both ferns and mosses are found to reproduce by the formation of spores.

Note: Mosses are commercially used for insulation as well as for decoration. Ferns do not have major economic importance although few are involved in the production of medicine, remediation of contaminated soil and as a biofertilizer. Ferns are also used for decoration and as a source of food.