Riccia is a bryophyte due to :-

Options

A. Thalloid
B. Rhizoids
C. Alternation of generations
D. Dependent sporophyte

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Riccia**: Riccia is a genus of liverworts, which are classified under the group of bryophytes. Bryophytes are non-vascular plants that include mosses, liverworts, and hornworts.

2. **Characteristics of Riccia**: Riccia has a thalloid structure, meaning it has a flattened, lobed plant body rather than a differentiated stem and leaves. This is a typical feature of liverworts.

3. **Rhizoids**: Riccia possesses unicellular rhizoids. Rhizoids are root-like structures that anchor the plant to the substrate but do not absorb water and nutrients like true roots.

4. **Alternation of Generations**: Like all bryophytes, Riccia exhibits an alternation of generations, which includes a dominant gametophyte stage and a dependent sporophyte stage.

5. **Sporophyte Dependency**: The sporophyte of Riccia is dependent on the gametophyte for nutrition. This means that the sporophyte does not have chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize, relying instead on the gametophyte for sustenance.

6. **Conclusion**: Based on these characteristics, Riccia is classified as a bryophyte due to its thalloid structure, unicellular rhizoids, the alternation of generations, and the dependency of the sporophyte on the gametophyte.

**Final Answer**: Riccia is a bryophyte due to its thalloid structure, presence of unicellular rhizoids, alternation of generations, and the fact that its sporophyte is dependent on the gametophyte for nutrition.

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