A fern is in the sporophyte phase of its life cycle. Which of the following best explains what happens next in the fern's life cycle?

a. Haploid spores are released to form zygotes, which grow into gametophytes.

b. Flagellated sperm swim from the sporangia to the eggs and fertilize them.

c. Sporangia form underneath the fronds, and haploid spores form in the sporangia.

d. Spores are released and grow into adult male and female plants.

Haploid spores are released to form zygote, which grow into gametophytes.

Explanation:

The life cycle of the fern has 2 different stages:

(1) Sporophyte in which fern releases spores. (2) Gametophyte in which fern releases gametes. Sporophytes plants are diploid, Gametophyte plants are haploid and this type of life cycle is known as Alteration of Generation.

Haploid spore grows into a haploid gametophytes and then the gametophyte is fertilize and grow into a diploid sporophyte. Diploid sporophytes produces spores, completing the life cycle.

Answer: a. Haploid spores are released to form zygotes, which grow into gametophytes.

A fern has two different stages of the life cycle; the sporophyte and gametophyte. In the sporophyte, spores are released. After this life cycle comes the gametophyte or the sexual phase, haploid spores are released to form zygotes, which grow into gametophytes.