Question Details

‘Club moss’ belongs to

Options

A

Fungi

B

Algae

C

Bryophyta

D

Pteridophyta

Correct Answer :

Pteridophyta

Solution :

The correct option is Pteridophyta.

To understand why "Club moss" belongs to the division Pteridophyta, let us break down the classification step-by-step:

1. What is Club Moss?
Despite its common name containing the word "moss", club moss is not a true moss. True mosses are non-vascular plants that belong to the division Bryophyta. Club mosses, such as Lycopodium, are primitive vascular plants.

2. Characteristics of Pteridophytes:
Pteridophytes are vascular cryptogams. This means they are seedless plants that possess specialized vascular tissues (xylem and phloem) for the conduction of water and nutrients. They reproduce via spores rather than seeds. The plant body is differentiated into true roots, stem, and leaves.

3. Why is it classified under Pteridophyta?
Club mosses have a well-developed vascular system, which distinguishes them from Algae, Fungi, and Bryophytes (which lack vascular tissues). Because they produce spores instead of seeds and have vascular tissue, they are classified under the division Pteridophyta (specifically in the class Lycopsida).

Therefore, the plant commonly known as "Club moss" is classified under the division Pteridophyta.

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