Select the correct option w.r.t. Marsilea

Options

A. Heterosporous vascular spermatophyte
B. Heterosporous vascular embryophyte
C. Homosporous vascular cryptogams
D. Homosporous non vascular embryophyte

Answer

To solve the question regarding Marsilea, we need to analyze each of the provided options and determine which one correctly describes this plant. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the solution:

### Step 1: Understand Marsilea
Marsilea is a type of plant that belongs to the group known as pteridophytes. Pteridophytes are vascular plants that reproduce via spores.

**Hint:** Remember that pteridophytes are characterized by their vascular tissues and spore reproduction.

### Step 2: Analyze the Options
1. **Heterosporous Vascular Spermatophyte**:
- Spermatophytes include seed plants like angiosperms and gymnosperms. Marsilea does not belong to this category as it does not produce seeds.
- **Conclusion:** This option is incorrect.

**Hint:** Spermatophytes are seed-producing plants; Marsilea does not produce seeds.

2. **Heterosporous Vascular Embryophyte**:
- Heterosporous means that the plant produces two types of spores: male and female. Embryophyte refers to plants that have embryos that develop within maternal tissue.
- Marsilea fits this description as it is heterosporous and retains its embryos in maternal tissue.
- **Conclusion:** This option is correct.

**Hint:** Look for characteristics like spore types and embryo development when considering plant classifications.

3. **Homosporous Vascular Cryptogams**:
- Homosporous means that the plant produces only one type of spore. Cryptogams are non-seed producing plants, typically including ferns and mosses.
- Marsilea is heterosporous, thus this option does not apply.
- **Conclusion:** This option is incorrect.

**Hint:** Homosporous plants produce only one type of spore; Marsilea produces two.

4. **Homosporous Non-Vascular Embryophyte**:
- This option suggests that Marsilea is non-vascular, which is incorrect as pteridophytes like Marsilea are vascular plants.
- **Conclusion:** This option is incorrect.

**Hint:** Non-vascular plants do not have specialized tissues for transporting water and nutrients, which Marsilea does.

### Step 3: Final Conclusion
After analyzing all the options, the correct answer is **Heterosporous Vascular Embryophyte**.

**Final Answer:** The correct option with respect to Marsilea is the second option: **Heterosporous Vascular Embryophyte**.