Q11. Which pteridophyte type is commonly found in moist, shaded environments?
a) Horsetails
b) Bracken ferns
c) Club mosses
d) Quillworts
Show Answer
Correct Answer: b) Bracken ferns
Explanation: Bracken ferns (Pteridium) thrive in moist, shaded environments such as forests and woodland areas. They are characterized by their large, triangular fronds and extensive rhizome systems.
Q12. Which of the following pteridophytes is considered a living fossil?
a) Whisk ferns
b) Ferns
c) Club mosses
d) Horsetails
Show Answer
Correct Answer: a) Whisk ferns
Explanation: Whisk ferns (Psilotum) are often referred to as living fossils due to their primitive characteristics and evolutionary significance. They exhibit simple morphology and lack true roots and leaves.
Q13. What is the primary mode of reproduction in pteridophytes?
a) Vegetative propagation
b) Sexual reproduction
c) Asexual reproduction
d) Apomixis
Show Answer
Correct Answer: b) Sexual reproduction
Explanation: Pteridophytes primarily reproduce sexually through the production of spores and subsequent gametophyte formation. While some species may also undergo asexual reproduction, sexual reproduction is the predominant mode.
Q14. Which structure in pteridophytes produces gametes?
a) Sporangium
b) Sporophyte
c) Archegonium and antheridium
d) Prothallus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: c) Archegonium and antheridium
Explanation: Archegonia and antheridia are gametangia in pteridophytes responsible for the production of female and male gametes, respectively. They are found on the gametophyte stage of the life cycle.
Q15. What is the ecological importance of pteridophytes?
a) Soil stabilization
b) Food source for herbivores
c) Carbon sequestration
d) Pollinator attraction
Show Answer
Correct Answer: a) Soil stabilization
Explanation: Pteridophytes play a crucial role in soil stabilization, especially in areas prone to erosion. Their extensive root systems help bind soil particles, preventing soil erosion and promoting soil health.
Q16. Which pteridophyte type is characterized by jointed stems and scale-like leaves?
a) Whisk ferns
b) Horsetails
c) Club mosses
d) Bracken ferns
Show Answer
Correct Answer: c) Club mosses
Explanation: Club mosses (Lycopodium) have jointed stems and small, scale-like leaves arranged densely along the stems. They are often found in moist, forested habitats.
Q17. Which pteridophyte type is known for its underground stem called a rhizome?
a) Bracken ferns
b) Horsetails
c) Whisk ferns
d) Ferns
Show Answer
Correct Answer: d) Ferns
Explanation: Ferns have underground stems called rhizomes, from which roots and fronds emerge. Rhizomes serve as storage organs and help ferns spread vegetatively across the forest floor.
Q18. What is the function of sori in ferns?
a) Photosynthesis
b) Reproduction
c) Water absorption
d) Nutrient storage
Show Answer
Correct Answer: b) Reproduction
Explanation: Sori are clusters of sporangia found on the underside of fern fronds. They are responsible for the production and dispersal of spores, which germinate into gametophytes, continuing the fern life cycle.
Q19. Which of the following pteridophytes has jointed stems resembling the tail of a horse?
a) Ferns
b) Club mosses
c) Whisk ferns
d) Horsetails
Show Answer
Correct Answer: d) Horsetails
Explanation: Horsetails (Equisetum) are characterized by jointed stems resembling the tail of a horse, hence the common name. These stems contain silica deposits, making them abrasive.
Q20. In pteridophytes, what is the function of the prothallus?
a) Production of spores
b) Anchorage to the substrate
c) Absorption of water and nutrients
d) Gametophyte generation
Show Answer
Correct Answer: d) Gametophyte generation
Explanation: The prothallus is the haploid gametophyte stage in the life cycle of pteridophytes. It produces gametes through mitosis, which then fuse to form a diploid zygote, initiating the sporophyte stage.