The most reduced gametophytic stage is present in –

Options

A. Thallophyta
B. Angiospermae
C. Gymnospermae
D. Bryophyta

Answer

To determine which group of plants has the most reduced gametophytic stage, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Gametophytic Stage**: The gametophyte is the haploid multicellular stage in the plant life cycle that arises from spores. It is responsible for producing gametes (sperm and egg).

2. **Identify Plant Groups**: The options given are Thalophyta, Angiosperms, Gymnosperms, and Bryophyta. We need to analyze the gametophytic stages in these groups.

3. **Examine Thalophyta**: This group includes algae, which have a prominent gametophytic phase that is often independent and can be quite large.

4. **Examine Bryophyta**: Bryophytes (like mosses) have a dominant gametophyte stage that is multicellular and independent. The sporophyte is dependent on the gametophyte for nutrition.

5. **Examine Gymnosperms**: In gymnosperms, the gametophyte is reduced compared to bryophytes and thalophytes. The male gametophyte is represented by pollen grains, and the female gametophyte develops within the ovule.

6. **Examine Angiosperms**: Angiosperms are the most evolved group of plants. Their gametophyte is highly reduced; the male gametophyte is just a few cells in the pollen grain, and the female gametophyte is also reduced to a small structure within the ovule.

7. **Conclusion**: Since angiosperms have the most reduced gametophytic stage, the answer is Angiosperms.

### Final Answer:
The most reduced gametophytic stage is present in **Angiosperms**.

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