In ferns, meiosis takes place at the time of

Options

A. Spore formation
B. Spore germination
C. Gamete formation
D. Antheridia and archegonia formation

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Meiosis**: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four haploid cells from one diploid cell. This process is essential for sexual reproduction and occurs in various organisms, including ferns.

2. **Identifying the Context**: In ferns, the life cycle includes both a sporophyte (diploid) generation and a gametophyte (haploid) generation. The sporophyte produces spores through meiosis.

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Spore Formation**: This is the process where meiosis occurs in ferns. The diploid sporophyte undergoes meiosis to produce haploid spores.
- **Spore Germination**: This refers to the process where spores develop into gametophytes. Meiosis does not occur here.
- **Gamete Formation**: In ferns, gametes are produced by the gametophyte, which is haploid. Meiosis does not occur during this process since gametes are formed by mitosis.
- **Antheridia and Archegonia Formation**: These structures are involved in gamete production in the gametophyte stage, and meiosis does not take place here.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the correct answer is that meiosis takes place during **spore formation** in ferns.

**Final Answer**: In ferns, meiosis takes place at the time of **spore formation**.

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