A well developed archegonium with neck consisting of 4 - 6 rows and neck canal cells , characterises

Options

A. Gymnosperms and flowering plants
B. Pteridophytes and gymnosperms
C. Gymnosperms only
D. Bryophytes and pteridophytes

Answer

To answer the question, "A well-developed archegonium with neck consisting of 4 - 6 rows and neck canal cells characterizes," we need to analyze the characteristics of different plant groups, particularly bryophytes and pteridophytes.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Archegonium**:
- The archegonium is the female reproductive structure in certain plants. It is flask-shaped and contains the egg cell.
- The neck of the archegonium can vary in structure among different plant groups.

2. **Identifying Plant Groups**:
- **Bryophytes**: These are non-vascular plants, such as mosses and liverworts. They typically have a dominant gametophytic phase, and their archegonia are well-developed.
- **Pteridophytes**: These are vascular plants, such as ferns. They have a dominant sporophytic phase, and their archegonia also have a neck, but the structure differs from that of bryophytes.
- **Gymnosperms and Angiosperms**: These groups have different reproductive structures and do not typically have archegonia with necks of 4-6 rows.

3. **Analyzing Archegonium Structure**:
- In bryophytes, the archegonium has a neck that consists of 4-6 rows of neck canal cells.
- In pteridophytes, the archegonium has a shorter neck made up of 4 rows of neck canal cells.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Since the question specifies a well-developed archegonium with a neck consisting of 4-6 rows, this characteristic is specific to bryophytes.
- Therefore, the correct answer is **bryophytes**.

### Final Answer:
A well-developed archegonium with a neck consisting of 4-6 rows and neck canal cells characterizes **bryophytes**.

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