What happens to the spore after it ejects from sporophytes in pteridophyte plants?

Options

A. It germinates to become a prothallus
B. It germinates to become another spore forming a fern plant
C. It joins with another spore to become a seedling.
D. It encysts and devours by snail-like organisms.

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Ejection of Spores**: The process begins when spores are ejected from the sporophyte of pteridophyte plants. Sporophytes are the diploid generation in the life cycle of these plants.

2. **Germination of Spores**: Once the spores are released into the environment, they land in a suitable habitat where conditions are favorable for germination, such as moisture and appropriate temperature.

3. **Formation of Prothalus**: After germination, the spore develops into a structure known as the prothalus. The prothalus is a haploid structure, meaning it contains a single set of chromosomes.

4. **Characteristics of Prothalus**: The prothalus is typically heart-shaped and is capable of photosynthesis, allowing it to produce its own food. It is a free-living structure, which means it does not depend on the sporophyte for nourishment.

5. **Sexual Reproductive Structures**: The prothalus is monoecious, meaning it contains both male and female reproductive organs. The male organs are called antheridia, which produce sperm, while the female organs are called archegonia, which produce eggs.

6. **Reproduction**: The sperm produced in the antheridia can swim to the archegonia to fertilize the eggs, leading to the formation of a new sporophyte, thus continuing the life cycle of pteridophytes.

### Summary of the Answer:
After the spore ejects from the sporophyte in pteridophyte plants, it germinates to form a prothalus, which is a haploid structure that contains both male and female reproductive organs.

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