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Explain the haplo-diplontic condition in bryophytes and pteridophytes.

GeneralClass 12AllAnswered 27 Mar 2026
Answer

Haplo-diplontic life cycle features both multicellular haploid and diploid phases:

In Bryophytes:

  • Dominant phase: Independent, photosynthetic gametophyte (haploid)
  • Sporophyte: Dependent on gametophyte for nutrition; consists of foot, seta, and capsule

In Pteridophytes:

  • Dominant phase: Independent, vascularized sporophyte (diploid)
  • Gametophyte (prothallus): Small, independent but short-lived, haploid structure
General · Class 12