Question

Reproduction in bryophytes takes place by
(This question has multiple correct options)
(a)Gemma cup formation
(b)Sexual method
(c)Fission
(d)Parthenogenesis

Answer 1

Hint: Reproduction is bryophytes takes place by both asexual and sexual method. The sexual method is highly dependent on water for the transfer of gametes and hence they are known as the amphibians of the plant world.

Complete answer:
Asexual reproduction in bryophytes takes place by fragmentation or by the formation of gemma cups. Gemmae are green, multicellular, and asexual buds that are borne on the thalli of the parent. They are enclosed inside gemma cups. These gemmae fall off from the plant body and germinate to give rise to a new plant.
Sexual reproduction in bryophytes is as follows:
The plant body is thallus-like, erect, and attached to the substratum by unicellular or multicellular rhizoids. The main plant body of the bryophyte is called gametophyte as it produces gametes (haploid). The sex organs in bryophytes are multicellular. The male sex organ is called the antheridium which is responsible for producing biflagellate antherozoids. The female sex organ is archegonium and produces a single egg. The antherozoids are released into the water where they come in contact with archegonium and fuse with the egg to produce the zygote. Zygotes do not show the reduction division immediately, instead produce a multicellular body called a sporophyte. The sporophyte is attached to the photosynthetic gametophyte and derives nourishment from it. Some cells of the sporophyte undergo reduction division (meiosis) to produce haploid spores which germinate to give the gametophyte again.
So, the correct option is ‘Sexual method’ and ‘Gemma cup formation’.

Note: -Bryophytes are divided into mosses and liverworts.
-Sphagnum moss is used to ship living beings because of their ability to hold water in them.
-Moss and lichens are known as pioneer species as they are the first to start an ecosystem in a barren land i.e. primary succession.