Question: 119. The correct sequence of events in the life cycle of bryophytes is
A. Fusion of antherozoid with egg.
B. Attachment of gametophyte to substratum.
C. Reduction division to produce haploid spores.
D. Formation of sporophyte.
E. Release of antherozoids into water.
Choose the correct answer from the option given below:
(1) \mathrm{D}, \mathrm{E}, \mathrm{A}, \mathrm{C}, \mathrm{B}
(2) \mathrm{B}, \mathrm{E}, \mathrm{A}, \mathrm{C}, \mathrm{D}
(3) B, E, A, D, C
(4) \mathrm{D}, \mathrm{E}, \mathrm{A}, \mathrm{B}, \mathrm{C}
Answer: Option (3)
Explanation:
In the life cycle of bryophytes, the dominant plant body is the haploid gametophyte, which develops first.
The gametophyte initially gets attached to the substratum with the help of rhizoids, which corresponds to step B.
Male gametes called antherozoids are released into water because water is essential for their movement, corresponding to step E.
The antherozoid then fuses with the egg present in the archegonium, resulting in fertilisation, which is step A.
After fertilisation, the diploid zygote develops into a sporophyte that remains attached to the gametophyte, corresponding to step D.
Finally, the sporophyte undergoes reduction division (meiosis) to produce haploid spores, which is step C.
Thus, the correct sequence of events is B, E, A, D, C.