Question

Male and Female gametophytes are independent and free-living in
A.Sphagnum
B.Mustard
C.Castor
D.Pinus

Answer 1

Hint: The life cycle of a plant consists of two phases known as the gametophytic phase and a sporophytic phase, The gametophytic phase is also known as the sexual phase in plants and algae.

Complete answer:
Life cycle of Bryophytes show alternation between a haploid gametophyte and a diploid sporophyte and hence they show Haplo-diplontic life cycle. Sphagnum is commonly known as peat moss and they have a large capacity of holding water and it also provides peat which can be used as fuel.
Option A: Sphagnum belongs to class Bryopsida is also known as mosses, where gametophyte shows two stages, the first one is the protonema stage which is a green filamentous stage, and the second stage is known as the leafy stage which develops as a bud. Therefore, this is the correct option.
Option B: Mustard is a dicot plant and belongs to the class Angiospermae where the gametophytes are not independent and are dependent on sporophytes, Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option C: Cator is also a dicot Angiosperm,Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option D: The pinus is a gymnosperm that follows a diplontic life cycle where only the sporophyte is independent Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A)

Note: Sphagnum is also a Bryophyte and in sphagnum, the dominant phase is represented by green thallus which is the gametophytic phase and the existence of the sporophytic phase is short-lived and is partially or sometimes totally dependent on the gametophytic phase.