In Dryopteris

Options

A. Sporophyte is parasitic over gametophyte
B. Sporophyte is independent
C. Gametophyte is independent
D. Both b and c

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Life Cycle of Dryopteris:**
- Dryopteris is a type of fern commonly referred to as wood ferns or male ferns. It exhibits a distinct alternation of generations in its life cycle, which includes two main stages: sporophyte and gametophyte.

2. **Identifying the Sporophyte:**
- The sporophyte is the diploid stage of the fern's life cycle. In Dryopteris, the sporophyte is an independent structure that can grow and develop without relying on the gametophyte.

3. **Identifying the Gametophyte:**
- The gametophyte is the haploid stage of the life cycle. In Dryopteris, the gametophyte is also an independent structure. It can photosynthesize and live independently of the sporophyte.

4. **Analyzing the Options:**
- The question provides four options regarding the relationship between the sporophyte and gametophyte:
- A) Sporophyte is parasitic over gametophyte.
- B) Sporophyte is independent.
- C) Gametophyte is independent.
- D) Both B and C.
- From our understanding, both the sporophyte and gametophyte of Dryopteris are independent of each other.

5. **Choosing the Correct Answer:**
- Since both statements B and C are correct (the sporophyte is independent and the gametophyte is independent), the correct answer is option D, which states "both B and C."

**Final Answer:**
The correct answer is option D: Both B and C.

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