In pteridophyte gametophyte (prothallus) prefers to grow in moist shady places because :

Options

A. In these conditions, it survive very well
B. It represents the ancestory of bryophyte
C. It need water for fertilization
D. It is a aquatic structure

Answer

To answer the question regarding why the gametophyte (prothallus) of pteridophytes prefers to grow in moist shady places, we can break down the reasoning step by step:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Pteridophytes**:
- Pteridophytes are a group of vascular plants that include ferns and their relatives. They are characterized by the presence of xylem and phloem, which are essential for transporting water and nutrients.

2. **Identifying the Gametophyte**:
- The gametophyte stage in pteridophytes is known as the prothallus. This is a small, heart-shaped structure that is crucial for reproduction.

3. **Reproductive Needs**:
- Pteridophytes reproduce via spores, and the gametophyte (prothallus) produces gametes (sperm and eggs). For fertilization to occur, the sperm must swim to the egg.

4. **Requirement for Water**:
- The sperm of pteridophytes is motile and requires a film of water to swim from the male gametophyte to the female gametophyte for fertilization. This is why the prothallus needs to be in a moist environment.

5. **Environmental Conditions**:
- Moist, shady places provide the necessary conditions for the prothallus to thrive and ensure that water is available for the fertilization process. These conditions help prevent desiccation (drying out) of the gametophyte.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that the prothallus prefers to grow in moist shady places because it needs water for fertilization.

### Final Answer:
The gametophyte (prothallus) of pteridophytes prefers to grow in moist shady places because it needs water for fertilization.

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