What is the Difference Between Homosporous and Heterosporous Pteridophytes?

The main difference between homosporous and heterosporous pteridophytes lies in the type and size of spores they produce, which in turn affects their reproductive processes.

Homosporous Pteridophytes

• Produce only one type of spores, which are small in size and similar in shape.
• The spores contain both male and female parts, and give rise to bisexual gametophytes that have both male and female reproductive structures.
• Examples include clubmoss and puzzle grass.

Heterosporous Pteridophytes

• Produce two types of spores: small microspores and large megaspores.
• The megaspores produce female gametophytes, while the microspores produce male gametophytes.
• Cross-fertilization is more common in heterosporous plants, as the male and female parts are separated and cannot fertilize each other.
• Examples include Selaginella and Salvinia.

In summary, homosporous pteridophytes produce a single type of spore that develops into a bisexual gametophyte, while heterosporous pteridophytes produce two types of spores that develop into separate male and female gametophytes.

Comparative Table: Homosporous vs Heterosporous Pteridophytes

Here is a table comparing the differences between homosporous and heterosporous pteridophytes:

In summary, homosporous pteridophytes produce only one type of spore and have a unisexual gametophyte, while heterosporous pteridophytes produce two types of spores and have a bisexual gametophyte.