1. The gametophyte is composed of haploid cells and is the leafy, green form of the moss.
2. The sporophyte is composed of diploid cells and is the stalk-like structure that grows from the gametophyte.
3. Sperm is produced in the antheridium. Eggs are produced in the archegonium.
4. A zygote forms when a sperm fertilizes an egg. It is diploid.
5. The sporophyte develops from a zygote.
6. Meiosis causes this change; it reduces the chromosome number from diploid to haploid during spore formation.
7. Protonemata are the filamentous, thread-like structures that develop from germinating spores and give rise to new gametophytes.
8. Mosses share chloroplasts, cell wall composition, and similar reproductive structures with green algae, suggesting a common evolutionary origin.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of fern life cycle worksheet.