Sporophyte is multicellular but attached to the photosynthetic gametophyte and derives nourishment from it in the life cycle of

Options

A. Ficus, Sphagnum
B. Polytrichum, Porella
C. Ulothrix, Funaria
D. Spirogyra, Marchantia

Answer

To solve the question regarding the life cycle of plants where the sporophyte is multicellular but attached to the photosynthetic gametophyte and derives nourishment from it, we will analyze the characteristics of the options provided.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Life Cycle of Plants**:
- In the plant kingdom, there are two main generations: the sporophyte (2N, diploid) and the gametophyte (N, haploid). In some plants, the sporophyte is dependent on the gametophyte for nourishment.

2. **Identifying Plant Groups**:
- The question implies we are looking for plants where the sporophyte is attached to and nourished by the gametophyte. This is characteristic of bryophytes (mosses and liverworts).

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option 1: Ficus and Sphagnum**:
- Ficus is an angiosperm, where the sporophyte is independent and does not rely on the gametophyte. Sphagnum is a bryophyte, which fits the criteria.
- **Option 2: Polytricum and Porilla**:
- Both Polytricum (a moss) and Porilla (a liverwort) are bryophytes. The sporophyte in these plants is indeed dependent on the gametophyte.
- **Option 3: Eulothrix and Funeria**:
- Eulothrix is an alga, which does not have the sporophyte dependent on the gametophyte. Funeria is a moss, which does have this dependency.
- **Option 4: Spirogyra and Marcantia**:
- Spirogyra is an alga, and its sporophyte does not depend on the gametophyte. Marcantia is a liverwort, which does show this dependency.

4. **Conclusion**:
- The correct answer is **Option 2: Polytricum and Porilla**, as both are bryophytes where the sporophyte is attached to and derives nourishment from the gametophyte.