The Question is from neet-botany , and it was created by the author Mr. NARESH KUMAR K

Question

Which specific characteristic of *Selaginella* leads to its classification as a heterosporous pteridophyte?

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: B
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Heterospory in Pteridophytes
 **Related Topics**: Spore types, Megaspores, Microspores, Strobili, Selaginella morphology
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of plant reproduction, spore formation, and classification of pteridophytes.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question asks for the characteristic that makes *Selaginella* heterosporous.
  *Selaginella* is a pteridophyte.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Understand Heterospory: Heterospory refers to the production of two types of spores: megaspores (female) and microspores (male), which develop into megagametophytes and microgametophytes, respectively.
  Reasoning:  Heterosporous plants have distinct male and female gametophytes, unlike homosporous plants which produce a single type of spore.
  Formula/Rule: None directly applicable.
 2. Analyze the options:
  Option A (Presence of rhizophores): Rhizophores are root-like structures, not directly related to spore type.
  Option B (Production of megaspores and microspores within the same strobilus): This directly defines heterospory. *Selaginella* produces both megaspores and microspores within its strobili (cone-like structures).
  Option C (Homosporous nature with a single type of spore): This is the opposite of heterospory.
  Option D (Lack of a distinct strobilus): *Selaginella* does possess strobili.
 3. Conclusion:
  Result: The production of megaspores and microspores is the defining characteristic of heterospory in *Selaginella*.
  Verification: The definition of heterospory aligns perfectly with option B.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Rhizophores are structural features, not directly related to spore type.
B ✓: Correctly identifies the defining characteristic of heterospory in *Selaginella*.
C :x: This describes homospory, the opposite of heterospory.
D :x: *Selaginella* does have strobili (cone-like structures).
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing heterospory with homospory: Remember that heterospory involves two types of spores, while homospory involves only one.
  2.Focusing on structural features instead of reproductive features:  The key is the type of spores produced, not other morphological aspects.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember the definition of heterospory:  Two types of spores (megaspores and microspores).
  2.Associate *Selaginella* with heterospory as a key example.

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Presence of rhizophores

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

The correct Option is "Production of megaspores and microspores within the same strobilus"

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Homosporous nature with a single type of spore

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Lack of a distinct strobilus

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