Which one of the following has haplontic life cycle? (a) Polytrichum (b) Ustilago (c) Wheat (d) Funaria
Option D Funaria exhibits gametophytic (n) as well as sporophytic (2n) generation in its life cycle. The gametophytic generation is represented by a short lived protonema which produces spermatozoids in antheridium of male shoot and egg in archegonium of female shoot. Egg and spermatozoids are fused to form zygote. From zygote diploid sporophyte is produced. The capsule of sporophyte produces haploid spores. Then the haploid gametophyte is produced from the haploid spores. So, the zygote is the only diploid stage in the life cycle. Hence, the life cycle is haplontic life cycle.
