Which one of the following is considered important in the development of seed habit?
Heterospory
Haplontic life cycle
Free-living gametophyte
Dependent sporophyte
The correct option is Option 1) Heterospory.
The development of seed habit is a significant evolutionary advancement in the plant kingdom. Seeds provide protection, nourishment, and a means of dispersal for the developing embryo. Several key adaptations led to the development of the seed habit, and one of these adaptations is heterospory.
Heterospory is the production of two distinct types of spores: megaspores and microspores. Megaspores develop into female gametophytes, which house the eggs, while microspores develop into male gametophytes, which produce sperm. This contrast to homospory, where a single type of spore is produced, is a crucial step towards the development of the seed habit.
Heterospory allows for the evolution of specialized structures such as the ovule and pollen grain. The ovule contains the female gametophyte and protects it, while the pollen grain contains the male gametophyte and enables it to be transported to the female reproductive organs for fertilization.