In Dryopteris, meiosis occurs at the of

Options

A. Gamete formation
B. Spore formation
C. Formation of prothallus
D. Formation of sex organs

Answer

To solve the question regarding where meiosis occurs in Dryopteris, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Dryopteris**:
- Dryopteris is a genus of ferns, which are classified under pteridophytes. Pteridophytes are vascular plants that reproduce via spores rather than seeds.

2. **Life Cycle of Pteridophytes**:
- The life cycle of pteridophytes, including Dryopteris, is characterized by a haplodiplontic (or alternation of generations) cycle. This means there are two multicellular stages: the diploid sporophyte and the haploid gametophyte.

3. **Role of Meiosis**:
- In the sporophyte phase, which is diploid, meiosis occurs to produce haploid spores. This process is crucial as it reduces the chromosome number from diploid (2n) to haploid (n).

4. **Formation of Spores**:
- The haploid spores produced through meiosis are then released and can germinate to form the gametophyte, which is the haploid phase of the life cycle.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, in Dryopteris, meiosis occurs during the process of **spore formation**.

### Final Answer:
In Dryopteris, meiosis occurs at the time of **spore formation**.