Unlike bryophytes and pteridophytes, in gymnosperms the male and the female gametophytes do not have an

Options

A. Independent free-living existence
B. Dependent free-living existence
C. Independent parasitic existence
D. Dependent parasitic existence

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Groups**:
- We need to compare three groups of plants: bryophytes, pteridophytes, and gymnosperms.
- Bryophytes include mosses and liverworts, while pteridophytes include ferns and horsetails.

2. **Defining Gametophytes**:
- Gametophytes are the sexual phase in the plant life cycle where gametes (sperm and eggs) are produced.
- In bryophytes and pteridophytes, gametophytes are typically independent and free-living.

3. **Characteristics of Gymnosperms**:
- Gymnosperms are characterized by producing naked seeds (the term 'gymnosperm' means 'naked seed').
- In gymnosperms, the male and female gametophytes do not exist independently.

4. **Location of Gametophytes in Gymnosperms**:
- In gymnosperms, male and female gametophytes are retained within the sporangia on the sporophyte.
- The male gametophyte is represented by pollen grains, which are produced in microsporangia.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Unlike bryophytes and pteridophytes, gymnosperms have male and female gametophytes that do not have an independent free-living existence.
- Therefore, the correct answer is that in gymnosperms, the male and female gametophytes do not have an **independent free living existence**.

### Final Answer:
In gymnosperms, the male and female gametophytes do not have an **independent free living existence**.

---