Sexual reproduction in bryophytes is

Options

A. oogamous
B. isogamous
C. anisogamous
D. hologamy

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Bryophytes**: Bryophytes are non-vascular plants that include mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. They are characterized by their thallus structure, lack of true roots, stems, and leaves, and their dependence on water for reproduction.

2. **Reproductive Structures**: In bryophytes, sexual reproduction involves two types of structures: the antheridia (male reproductive organs) which produce sperm, and the archegonia (female reproductive organs) which produce eggs.

3. **Gamete Characteristics**: The male gamete (sperm) in bryophytes is motile, smaller, and flagellated, while the female gamete (egg) is larger and non-motile. This distinction is crucial for understanding the type of sexual reproduction.

4. **Fertilization Process**: Fertilization in bryophytes requires water, as the motile sperm swims through the water to reach the non-motile egg. Once the sperm fertilizes the egg, a zygote is formed.

5. **Types of Sexual Reproduction**:
- **Oogamous**: This type involves a small, motile male gamete and a larger, non-motile female gamete. This is the case in bryophytes.
- **Isogamous**: Involves gametes of similar size and shape, which is not applicable to bryophytes.
- **Anisogamous**: Involves gametes of different sizes but not necessarily the distinct motility characteristics seen in oogamy.
- **Hologamous**: This is not a recognized type of sexual reproduction.

6. **Conclusion**: Based on the characteristics of gametes in bryophytes, the correct answer to the question "Sexual reproduction in bryophytes is" is **oogamous**.

**Final Answer**: Oogamous

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