What is Heterospory ? Briefly comment on its significance. Give two examples.

Explanation

Heterospory refers to the production of different types of spores.
Significance :
1) Microspores formed from Microspore mother cells are small with 0.015 - 0.05 mμ. Megaspores formed from Megaspore Mother cell are big and are with 1.5 mμ.
2) Microspores develop into Male gametophytes and Megaspores develop into female gametophytes which lead to unisexuality.
3) The female gametophytes are retained on the parent sporophyte for variable periods.
4) The development of zygote into young embryos takes place within the female gametophytes.
5) The female gametophyte is with abundant food materials.
Ex : Selagenella, Salvinia.