Question

Which one or more of the following options describe(s) how ferns differ from angiosperms and gymnosperms?

• A. Ferns lack a vascular system.
• B. Ferns have separate haploid and diploid generations.
• C. Ferns are pollinated by flies
• D. Ferns are known only from the fossil record.

Hint:

Think: \textbf{Ferns = spores + free-living gametophyte}; \textbf{Seed plants = seeds + tiny, dependent gametophytes (pollen/embryo sac)}. Ferns are vascular; pollination applies only to seed plants.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Core reproductive difference.
Ferns show alternation of generations with both phases free-living: a multicellular haploid \textit{gametophyte} (prothallus) and a multicellular diploid \textit{sporophyte}.
In seed plants (angiosperms and gymnosperms), the haploid gametophytes are highly reduced and dependent on the sporophyte (pollen grain and embryo sac), not separate free-living plants. \(\Rightarrow\) (B) captures the key difference.

Step 2: Eliminate distractors.

(A) False — ferns are vascular plants (pteridophytes) with xylem and phloem.
(C) False — ferns reproduce by spores, not by pollination (no flowers/pollen).
(D) False — many fern species are extant and common today; they are not only fossils. Final Answer:
\[ \boxed{\text{(B) Separate (free-living) haploid and diploid generations in ferns}} \]