In pteridophytes, the main plant body is `:`

Options

A. a gametophyte
B. thalloid
C. non vascular
D. a sporophyte

Answer

To answer the question "In pteridophytes, the main plant body is:", we will follow these steps:

1. **Understand Pteridophytes**: Pteridophytes are a group of vascular plants that include ferns and horsetails. They are characterized by having vascular tissues, which are essential for transporting water and nutrients.

2. **Identify the Dominant Phase**: In the life cycle of pteridophytes, there are two main phases: the sporophyte phase and the gametophyte phase. The sporophyte is typically the dominant phase in pteridophytes.

3. **Characteristics of Sporophyte**: The sporophyte is the diploid phase that produces spores through meiosis. It is differentiated into roots, stems, and leaves, making it a more complex structure compared to the gametophyte.

4. **Gametophyte Role**: The gametophyte, which develops from the spores, is usually smaller and less complex. In pteridophytes, the gametophyte is often referred to as prothallus and is not the main plant body.

5. **Conclusion**: Given that the sporophyte is the dominant and more developed phase in pteridophytes, we conclude that the main plant body in pteridophytes is the sporophyte.

**Final Answer**: In pteridophytes, the main plant body is the sporophyte.

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