In the life cycle of Funaria, spores are beginning of the generation

Options

A. gametophyte
B. sporophyte
C. peristome
D. both 1 and 2

Answer

To solve the question regarding the life cycle of Funaria and the role of spores, we can break it down into the following steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Funaria**: Funaria is a type of moss and is classified under the group known as bryophytes. Bryophytes exhibit a unique life cycle known as haplodiplontic.

2. **Haplodiplontic Life Cycle**: This life cycle consists of two distinct phases: the haploid phase (gametophyte) and the diploid phase (sporophyte). The gametophyte is the dominant phase in bryophytes.

3. **Sporophyte Generation**: The sporophyte is diploid and produces haploid spores through the process of meiosis. These spores are the starting point for the next generation.

4. **Formation of Spores**: The sporophyte undergoes meiosis to produce spores. These spores are haploid and will germinate to form the gametophyte generation.

5. **Gametophyte Generation**: The spores grow into gametophytes, which are also haploid. The gametophytes will produce male and female gametes.

6. **Fertilization**: The male and female gametes fuse during fertilization (syngamy) to form a diploid zygote, which will develop into a new sporophyte.

7. **Conclusion**: Since the question asks what generation the spores represent at the beginning of the life cycle, the correct answer is that spores lead to the formation of the gametophyte generation.

### Final Answer:
The spores are the beginning of the **gametophyte generation**.