AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Ferns generally reproduce by producing spores. Similar to flowering plants, ferns have roots, stems and leaves. However, unlike flowering plants, ferns do not have flowers or seeds; instead, they usually reproduce sexually by tiny spores or sometimes can reproduce vegetatively, as exemplified by the walking fern.

Detailed explanation-2: -Reproduction by Spores Plants we see as ferns or horsetails are the sporophyte generation. The sporophyte generally releases spores in the summer. Spores must land on a suitable surface, such as a moist protected area to germinate and grow into gametophytes.

Detailed explanation-3: -Plants that reproduce from spores If you turn over a fern frond (leaf), you might see some unusual structures called sporangia. The sporangia produce very tiny spores. Spores are different to seeds. They do not contain plant embryos or food stores.

Detailed explanation-4: -Not all fronds and pinnae have spores. Fronds that do have them are called fertile fronds. Spores are tiny structures that contain the genetic material needed to grow a new fern. They may be green, yellow, black, brown, orange, or red.

Detailed explanation-5: -Plants that reproduce by spores Ferns, mosses, liverworts and green algae are all plants that have spores.