in what way is fern reproduction and moss reproduction the same?
(A) they both require water to reproduce
B) their dominant stage is the gametophyte stage
(C) their dominant stage is the sporophyte stage
D) they are both gymnosperms
To determine the similarities between fern reproduction and moss reproduction, let's consider each option and see which one applies to both.
(A) They both require water to reproduce: This statement is true for both ferns and mosses. Both ferns and mosses reproduce by dispersing spores that need water to swim to their destination and germinate.
(B) Their dominant stage is the gametophyte stage: This statement is true for mosses, but not for ferns. In mosses, the dominant stage is the gametophyte stage, which is the haploid, multicellular stage. Ferns, on the other hand, have a dominant sporophyte stage, which is the diploid, multicellular stage.
(C) Their dominant stage is the sporophyte stage: This statement is true for ferns but not for mosses. As mentioned earlier, ferns have a dominant sporophyte stage, which is the diploid, multicellular stage. Mosses, however, have a dominant gametophyte stage.
(D) They are both gymnosperms: This statement is incorrect for both ferns and mosses. Neither ferns nor mosses are considered gymnosperms. Gymnosperms are a separate group of plants that include conifers, cycads, and ginkgo biloba.
Based on the above analysis, the correct answer is (A) They both require water to reproduce, as both ferns and mosses rely on water for spore dispersal and germination.