List three similar structural features of the prothallus in ferns and gametophyte in mosses,which make both to be poorly adapted to a terrestrial life
1. Both the prothallus in ferns and the gametophyte in mosses are small and delicate structures, lacking the ability to retain water or nutrients for very long periods of time. This makes them more vulnerable to drying out and desiccation in a terrestrial environment.
2. Both the prothallus in ferns and the gametophyte in mosses lack a protective cuticle or outer layer, leaving them susceptible to damage from environmental conditions such as excessive sunlight, wind, or physical disturbances.
3. Both the prothallus in ferns and the gametophyte in mosses rely on water for sexual reproduction, as their reproductive structures (antheridia and archegonia) require water for the movement of sperm to the egg. This reliance on water for reproduction can be challenging in a terrestrial environment where water may not always be readily available.