Heterosporous pteridophyte is

Options

A. Lycopodium
B. Nephrolepis
C. Selaginella
D. Equisetum

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Pteridophytes**:
- Pteridophytes are a group of vascular plants that reproduce via spores. They include ferns and horsetails and are the first terrestrial plants to possess vascular tissues (xylem and phloem).

2. **Identifying Sporophyte Dominance**:
- In pteridophytes, the dominant phase of the life cycle is the sporophyte. This means that the sporophyte generation is the most prominent and visible stage in their life cycle.

3. **Homosporous vs. Heterosporous**:
- Most pteridophytes are homosporous, meaning they produce only one type of spore that develops into a gametophyte. In contrast, heterosporous pteridophytes produce two different types of spores: microspores (small) and megaspores (large).

4. **Defining Heterosporous**:
- Heterosporous plants produce two types of spores that develop into male and female gametophytes. This adaptation allows for sexual reproduction and increases genetic diversity.

5. **Examples of Heterosporous Pteridophytes**:
- Some examples of heterosporous pteridophytes include *Salvinia* and *Selaginella*. These plants are characterized by their ability to produce both microspores and megaspores.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, when asked about heterosporous pteridophytes, the correct examples include *Selaginella* and *Salvinia*. Among the options provided, *Selaginella* is a prominent example of a heterosporous pteridophyte.