Marchantia is considered as a heterothallic plant because it is

Options

A. monoecious
B. heterogametic
C. dioecious
D. bisexual

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Heterothallism**: Heterothallism refers to a reproductive strategy where male and female reproductive organs are found on separate individuals. This is in contrast to homothallism, where both types of reproductive organs are present on the same individual.

2. **Identifying Marchantia's Characteristics**: Marchantia, a type of liverwort, exhibits heterothallic behavior. This means that it has distinct male and female plants. Male plants produce antheridia (male gametes), while female plants produce archegonia (female gametes).

3. **Explaining the Terms**:
- **Monoecious**: This term refers to plants that have both male and female reproductive organs on the same individual. This does not apply to Marchantia.
- **Heterogametic**: This term refers to organisms that produce two different types of gametes. While Marchantia does produce different types of gametes, this term is not specific to the separation of male and female plants.
- **Dioecious**: This term is used for plants that have male and female reproductive organs on separate individuals, which is the case for Marchantia.
- **Bisexual**: This term is typically used for flowers that contain both male and female reproductive parts, which does not apply to Marchantia as it does not have flowers.

4. **Conclusion**: Marchantia is considered a heterothallic plant because it is dioecious, meaning that male and female reproductive organs are located on different plants.

**Final Answer**: Marchantia is considered a heterothallic plant because it is dioecious.

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