From evolutionary point of view, retention of the female gametophyte with developing young embryo on the parent sporophyte for some time, is first observed in:
- Pteridophytes
- Mosses
- Liverworts
- Gymnosperms
Answer
(1) Pteridophytes
Solution
As per NCERT, in some pteridophytes (e.g., Selaginella, Salvinia) the megaspores germinate into female gametophytes that are retained on the parent sporophyte for variable periods, and the zygote develops into a young embryo within the female gametophyte.
∵ This event is a precursor to the seed habit, considered an important step in evolution,
∴ it is first observed in pteridophytes.
Answer: (1)