In______, a dominant and independent haploid gametophyte alternates with a short lived, dependent sporophyte.

Options

A. algae
B. bryophytes
C. pteridophytes
D. gymnosperms.

Explanation

To solve the question, we need to identify which group of plants has a dominant and independent haploid gametophyte that alternates with a short-lived, dependent sporophyte.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Plant Life Cycles**:
- Plants exhibit a life cycle that includes two main phases: the haploid phase (gametophyte) and the diploid phase (sporophyte).
- The gametophyte is responsible for producing gametes, while the sporophyte produces spores.

2. **Identifying the Dominant Phase**:
- In some plant groups, the gametophyte is the dominant phase, meaning it is the more prominent and longer-lasting phase of the life cycle.
- In contrast, the sporophyte is often shorter-lived and may depend on the gametophyte for support and nutrition.

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Algae**: Generally have a simple life cycle and do not fit the description of having a dominant gametophyte and a dependent sporophyte.
- **Bryophytes**: This group includes mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. In bryophytes, the gametophyte is indeed the dominant and independent phase, while the sporophyte is short-lived and dependent on the gametophyte.
- **Spermatophytes (Seed Plants)**: This group includes gymnosperms and angiosperms, where the sporophyte is the dominant phase.
- **Gymnosperms**: Similar to spermatophytes, they have a dominant sporophyte and do not fit the criteria.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the analysis, the correct answer is **bryophytes**. In bryophytes, the dominant and independent haploid gametophyte alternates with a short-lived, dependent sporophyte.

### Final Answer:
In **bryophytes**, a dominant and independent haploid gametophyte alternates with a short-lived, dependent sporophyte.