Question

The number of neck canal cells in archegonium of selaginella is
A. One
B. Four
C. Two
D. Six or more

Answer 1

Hint: Selaginella belongs to the family selaginellaceae. They are a gray of vascular plants. They are distinguished from lycopodiaceae i.e. club mosses by the presence of scale-leaves bearing ligules. Selaginella occurs in tropical regions.

Complete answer:
Selaginella can reproduce asexually as well sexually.
(1) Asexual reproduction: Asexual reproduction in selaginella takes place by the method of fragmentation, by the mean of tubers and resting buds.
(2) Sexual reproduction: Selaginella reproduces sexually by means of spores. They produce two types of spore’s megaspores and microspores. These spores are developing in microspores and megaspores which form a compact structure called strobilus. Microspore is the initial stage in development of mole gametophyte. In the first stage of division two unequal cells are formed called smaller prothelli and larger antheridial. Megaspore is the female gametophyte developed from megasporangium either at the time of the first female ‘gametophyte’.

Therefore, from the above explanation the correct option is (B) Four.

Note: Selaginella belongs to the category of vascular plants. Selaginella is famous for its unique characteristics to come back from the dead. It has the ability to come back from death and it has the ability to tolerate drought and can remarkably grow fresh, green leaves after multiple years of zero rain.