The prominent phase in the life cycle of bryophytes is

Options

A. gametophyte
B. sporophyte
C. seta
D. sporogonium.

Explanation

To answer the question regarding the prominent phase in the life cycle of bryophytes, we can break down the information as follows:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Bryophytes**:
- Bryophytes are non-vascular plants that include mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. They have a unique life cycle that alternates between two main phases: the gametophyte and the sporophyte.

2. **Identifying the Main Plant Body**:
- In bryophytes, the main plant body is predominantly leafy and is known as the gametophyte. This structure is green and photosynthetic, allowing it to produce its own food.

3. **Sexual Reproduction**:
- The gametophyte produces male and female sex organs. The male organ is called the antheridium, which produces male gametes (antherozoids), while the female organ is called the archegonium, which produces the female gamete (egg).

4. **Gametophyte Phase**:
- The gametophyte is the dominant phase in the life cycle of bryophytes. It is haploid (N) and remains for a long time, allowing for the production of gametes.

5. **Fertilization Process**:
- When conditions are favorable (such as during rain), the antherozoids are released and swim to the archegonium to fertilize the egg, resulting in the formation of a zygote (2N).

6. **Sporophyte Development**:
- The zygote develops into the sporophyte, which is a short-lived structure that is dependent on the gametophyte for nutrition and support.

7. **Conclusion**:
- Since the gametophyte is the long-lasting and independent phase of the bryophyte life cycle, it is considered the prominent phase.

### Final Answer:
The prominent phase in the life cycle of bryophytes is the **gametophyte**.

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