In which one of the following male and female gametophytes do not have free living independent existence

Options

A. Pteris
B. Funaria
C. Polytrichum
D. Cedrus

Answer

To solve the question, we need to identify which of the given options has male and female gametophytes that do not have a free-living independent existence. Let's analyze each option step by step:

### Step 1: Understand the Types of Plants
- **Pteridophytes** (like Pteris) and **Bryophytes** (like Funaria and Polytrichum) have free-living gametophytes. This means that both male and female gametophytes can exist independently of the sporophyte.
- **Gymnosperms** (like Cedrus), on the other hand, have gametophytes that are dependent on the sporophyte and do not have a free-living existence.

### Step 2: Analyze Each Option
1. **Pteris**:
- Pteris is a pteridophyte. In pteridophytes, both male and female gametophytes are free-living.
- **Conclusion**: Incorrect option.

2. **Funaria**:
- Funaria is a bryophyte. Like pteridophytes, bryophytes also have free-living gametophytes.
- **Conclusion**: Incorrect option.

3. **Polytrichum**:
- Polytrichum is also a bryophyte. It shares the same characteristic of having free-living gametophytes.
- **Conclusion**: Incorrect option.

4. **Cedrus**:
- Cedrus is a gymnosperm. In gymnosperms, male and female gametophytes do not have a free-living existence; they remain within the sporangia on the sporophyte.
- **Conclusion**: Correct option.

### Final Answer
The correct answer is **Cedrus**, as it is the only option where male and female gametophytes do not have a free-living independent existence.

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