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Difficulty: MediumSpermatophytes: Gymnosperms and Angiosperms

In angiosperms, the mature female gametophyte (embryo sac) completely lacks archegonia, whereas gymnosperms typically develop distinct multicellular archegonia within their female gametophytes.

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True. Gymnosperms form multicellular archegonia inside the female gametophyte to produce egg cells, whereas angiosperms possess a reduced female gametophyte (embryo sac) that completely lacks archegonia.
The statement accurately reflects an essential evolutionary distinction between seed plant divisions: gymnosperm ovules house female gametophytes with defined archegonia, whereas angiosperm embryo sacs have lost archegonial structures altogether.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Examine the female reproductive structures in gymnosperms.
Gymnosperm female gametophytes differentiate into multicellular archegonia, each containing an egg cell.
Archegonia are ancestral gametangia retained in lower vascular plants and most gymnosperm lineages.
2
Examine the female gametophyte structure in angiosperms.
Angiosperms develop a highly reduced 8-nucleate, 7-celled embryo sac containing an egg apparatus (egg cell and synergids) without any archegonial structure.
Evolutionary trends in spermatophytes involve progressive reduction of the gametophyte phase, culminating in the total absence of archegonia in angiosperms.

Key Concept

Structural differences in female gametophytes and presence of archegonia between Gymnosperms and Angiosperms
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Spermatophytes: Gymnosperms and Angiosperms

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