The Question is from neet-botany biological-classification plantae-and-animalea, and it was created by the author B VENKAT

Question

The heterosporous nature of _Selaginella_ is considered an evolutionary advancement because it:

B VENKAT · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: 1
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Heterospory and its evolutionary significance in plants
 **Related Topics**: Life cycle of Selaginella, evolution of seed plants, microspores, megaspores, gametophytes
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of plant reproduction, spore types, and the alternation of generations.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question asks about the evolutionary advantage of heterospory in _Selaginella_.
  _Selaginella_ is a heterosporous plant, meaning it produces two types of spores: microspores (male) and megaspores (female).
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze the options provided.
  Reasoning: We need to identify the key advantage that heterospory provides to _Selaginella_ in terms of evolution.
 2. Evaluate each option.
  Working:
  Option A: Heterospory is a crucial step towards the evolution of seeds.  The retention of the megaspore within the sporangium and the development of the female gametophyte within it are precursors to seed formation.  This leads to better protection of the female gametophyte and the developing embryo.
  Option B: While heterospory might indirectly influence spore production, the primary evolutionary advantage isn't about the number of spores.
  Option C: Heterospory is associated with sexual reproduction, not asexual reproduction.
  Option D:  Heterospory actually complicates the gametophyte generation, creating two distinct types (male and female) rather than simplifying it.
 3. Determine the correct option.
  Result: Option A is the correct answer because it directly addresses the evolutionary significance of heterospory—the development of seeds.
  Verification:  The evolution of heterospory paved the way for the evolution of seed plants, a significant advancement in plant evolution.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A ✓: Leads to the development of seeds: This is the correct answer. Heterospory is a crucial step in the evolution of seed plants. The development of microspores and megaspores, leading to the differentiation of male and female gametophytes, is a precursor to the evolution of the seed.
B :x: Increases the number of spores produced: This is not the primary evolutionary advantage of heterospory.  The focus is on the differentiation of spore types, not just increased numbers.
C :x: Allows for asexual reproduction: Heterospory is a feature of sexual reproduction.
D :x: Simplifies the gametophyte generation: Heterospory actually makes the gametophyte generation more complex by having separate male and female gametophytes.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing heterospory with homospory: Understanding the difference between producing one type of spore (homospory) and two types (heterospory) is crucial.
  2.Focusing on secondary effects:  The primary evolutionary advantage should be identified, not secondary consequences.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember that heterospory is a key step in the evolution of seeds.
  2.Associate heterospory with the development of distinct male and female gametophytes.

B VENKAT · Answer

The correct Option is "Leads to the development of seeds"

B VENKAT · Answer

Increases the number of spores produced

B VENKAT · Answer

Allows for asexual reproduction

B VENKAT · Answer

Simplifies the gametophyte generation

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