Which of the following statements is not true about fertilization in a fern plant ?

Options

A. An egg is produced in an archegonium
B. A sperm is produced in an antheridium
C. Sperm is carried by the wind to the egg
D. Eggs and sperm are produced on the same plant

Explanation

To determine which statement is not true about fertilization in a fern plant, we need to understand the fertilization process in ferns. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

### Step 1: Understand the Life Cycle of Ferns
Ferns have a complex life cycle that includes two main stages: the sporophyte and the gametophyte. The sporophyte is the dominant stage and is what we typically recognize as a fern plant.

**Hint:** Remember that ferns alternate between two generations: sporophyte (diploid) and gametophyte (haploid).

### Step 2: Identify Gametophyte Structures
The gametophyte stage produces gametes. In ferns, the male gametes (sperm) are produced in structures called antheridia, while the female gametes (eggs) are produced in structures called archegonia.

**Hint:** Antheridia produce sperm, and archegonia produce eggs in the gametophyte stage.

### Step 3: Fertilization Process
Fertilization in ferns occurs when sperm swims through water to reach the egg in the archegonium. This is a crucial point because sperm cannot travel through air; they require a moist environment to swim.

**Hint:** Sperm need water to reach the egg; they cannot be carried by wind.

### Step 4: Analyze the Statements
Now, we can analyze the statements provided in the question. We are looking for the statement that contradicts the known facts about fern fertilization.

1. **Egg is produced in Archegonium** - True
2. **Sperm is produced in Antheridia** - True
3. **Sperm is carried by wind to the egg** - Not true (this is the incorrect statement)
4. **Fertilization leads to the development of a new sporophyte** - True

### Conclusion
The statement that is not true about fertilization in a fern plant is: **"Sperm is carried by wind to the egg."**

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