Question

A moss is in the gametophyte phase of its life cycle. Which of the following best describes what happens next in the moss’s life cycle? Sporangia produce spores, which fertilize eggs and become diploid sporophytes. Spores are released and germinate into new, haploid gametophytes. Male and female gametes are formed and combine in a moist environment to form a zygote. Zygotes form within the gametophytes and rely on the gametophytes for water and nutrients.

Answer 1

Answer:

Male and female gametes are formed and combine in a moist environment to form a zygote.

Explanation:

The gametophyte of a moss plant bears male sex organ antheridia and female sex organ archegonia.

Sperms, the male gametes are produced within antheridia and the eggs are produced in archegonia.

Both the antheridia and archegonia may be produced on the same gametophyte or separate gametophytes depending on the type of moss.

Haploid sperms are released from the antheridia and with the help of moisture, it reaches to a haploid egg in an archegonium. The female gamete or egg is fused with sperm to produce a diploid zygote.

The zygote later develops into the diploid sporophyte.