An independent sporophyte does not occur in

Options

A. Bryophytes
B. Angiosperms
C. Gymnosperms
D. Pteridophytes.

Answer

To solve the question "An independent sporophyte does not occur in", we need to analyze the life cycles of the different groups of plants provided in the options: bryophytes, angiosperms, gymnosperms, and pteridophytes.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Terms**:
- **Sporophyte**: The diploid phase of the plant life cycle that produces spores.
- **Gametophyte**: The haploid phase that produces gametes (sperm and eggs).

2. **Identify the Groups**:
- **Bryophytes**: This group includes mosses, liverworts, and hornworts.
- **Angiosperms**: Flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed in fruits.
- **Gymnosperms**: Non-flowering plants that produce seeds exposed on cones.
- **Pteridophytes**: Ferns and their relatives that reproduce via spores.

3. **Analyze Bryophytes**:
- In bryophytes, the dominant stage of the life cycle is the **haploid gametophyte**.
- The **sporophyte** is dependent on the gametophyte for nutrition and is not independent; it remains attached to the gametophyte.

4. **Analyze Angiosperms, Gymnosperms, and Pteridophytes**:
- In angiosperms and gymnosperms, the sporophyte is the dominant stage and is independent.
- In pteridophytes, the sporophyte is also independent and is the dominant phase of the life cycle.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Since the sporophyte in bryophytes does not exist independently and relies on the gametophyte, the correct answer to the question is **bryophytes**.

### Final Answer:
An independent sporophyte does not occur in **bryophytes**.

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