A prothallus is

Options

A. a structure in pteridophytes formed before the thallus develops
B. a sporophytic free living structure formed in pteridophytes
C. a gametophyte free living structure formed in pteridophytes
D. a primitive structure formed after fertilisation in pteridophytes.

Answer

C

Explanation

Prothallus is a small flattened multicellular structure that represent the independent gametophyte generation in pteriodophytes, e,g., club mosses, horsetails and ferns. In some of the pteridophytes a single prothallus bears both male and female sex organs. In others, there are separate male and fenale prothalli.