Which statements is correct about mosses?

Options

A. They have dominant and independent sporophyte
B. Their antherozoids require water for fertilisation
C. Their archegonia produce many eggs
D. Their antherozoids are multiflagellated

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Structure of Mosses**:
- Mosses belong to the group of plants known as bryophytes. They have two main phases in their life cycle: the gametophyte and the sporophyte.

2. **Identifying the Dominant Phase**:
- In mosses, the gametophyte is the dominant phase of the plant. It is haploid (having one set of chromosomes) and exists independently.

3. **Sporophyte Characteristics**:
- The sporophyte develops from the gametophyte after fertilization. However, it is not independent; instead, it is parasitic on the gametophyte, deriving nourishment from it.

4. **Fertilization in Mosses**:
- For fertilization to occur, the male gametes (antherozoids or sperms) require water. This is because they swim through water to reach the female gamete (egg) for fertilization. This characteristic is why bryophytes, including mosses, are often referred to as the amphibians of the plant kingdom.

5. **Egg Production in Archegonia**:
- The archegonia, which are the female reproductive structures in mosses, produce only one egg. They are flask-shaped, and the swollen part (venter) contains just a single egg, making any statement that suggests multiple eggs incorrect.

6. **Antherozoid Structure**:
- Antherozoids in mosses are biflagellated, meaning they have two flagella that allow them to swim. This is important for their movement through water to fertilize the egg.

7. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the above points, the correct statement about mosses is that "antherozoids require water for fertilization." Therefore, option 2 is the correct answer.