Many fern gametophytes are hermaphrodites,meaning they can produce both sperm and egg.Why is this necessary for a fern,but not for an angiosperm?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ferns have a unique life cycle where the haploid gametophyte stage is independent and photosynthetic, unlike angiosperms where the diploid sporophyte is the dominant stage. The hermaphrodite nature of fern gametophytes is necessary to ensure successful reproduction when a single spore colonizes a new habitat alone. In contrast, angiosperms have a more complex reproductive system where the male and female gametes are produced in separate structures (i.e. flowers) and fertilization typically requires the transfer of pollen from one plant to another.

Many Fern Gametophytes Are Hermaphrodites,meaning They Can Produce Both Sperm