Question

Why do higher spore plants need water for fertilization

Answer 1

Ответ:

Higher spore plants need water for fertilization because water is needed to move the sperm. From the fertilized egg the embryo is formed. It sprouts and turns into an individual of the asexual generation, which multiplies by spores.

Объяснение:

Answer 2

Higher spore plants, also known as seedless vascular plants, include ferns, horsetails, and clubmosses. These plants require water for fertilization because they exhibit a type of reproductive process called "homosporous" reproduction, which is different from the "heterosporous" reproduction found in seed plants (gymnosperms and angiosperms).

Here's why higher spore plants need water for fertilization:

1. Motile Sperm: Higher spore plants produce motile sperm cells. These sperm cells have flagella, which are whip-like structures that allow them to swim through water. The presence of flagella enables the sperm to move actively in search of an egg for fertilization. This is in contrast to seed plants, which produce non-motile pollen grains that are transported by wind or other means to reach the female reproductive structures.

2. External Fertilization: In higher spore plants, the fertilization process takes place outside the protective structures of the female reproductive organs. The sperm are released into the environment, typically in the form of water droplets, and they swim through a film of water to reach the eggs. Once the sperm reach the egg, fertilization occurs.

3. Dependence on Water: Because the sperm cells of higher spore plants rely on water for movement, these plants are dependent on moist environments for successful reproduction. Without water, the sperm cannot swim to the eggs, and fertilization cannot occur.

4. Limited Dispersal: The dependence on water for fertilization also limits the dispersal of higher spore plants. They are typically found in habitats with sufficient moisture to support their reproductive processes. This is why ferns, for example, are often found in damp and shady locations.

In summary, higher spore plants require water for fertilization because they produce motile sperm cells that need a watery environment to swim to the eggs. This adaptation to water-dependent reproduction is a characteristic feature of these plants and is different from the reproductive strategies employed by seed plants, which do not rely on water for fertilization.