The embryonic development in bryophytes takes place in the

Options

A. protonema
B. sporangium
C. antheridium
D. archegonium

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Bryophytes**: Bryophytes are non-vascular plants that include mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. They have a life cycle that involves alternation of generations, with a dominant gametophyte stage.

2. **Reproductive Structures**: In bryophytes, there are two main reproductive structures: the male reproductive organ called antheridia and the female reproductive organ called archegonia. The antheridia produce male gametes (antherozoites), while the archegonia contain the female gamete (egg).

3. **Fertilization Process**: The antherozoites are released into water, where they swim to the archegonia to fertilize the egg. This fertilization occurs inside the archegonia.

4. **Embryonic Development**: After fertilization, the zygote develops into an embryo. This embryonic development occurs within the archegonia, where the fertilized egg undergoes successive growth and differentiation.

5. **Formation of Sporophyte**: The embryo eventually develops into a sporophyte, which is the diploid generation in the bryophyte life cycle. The sporophyte is dependent on the gametophyte for nutrition and support during its early stages of development.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the embryonic development in bryophytes takes place in the archegonia.

**Final Answer**: The embryonic development in bryophytes takes place in the archegonia.

---