EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -In gymnosperms and angiosperms, the gametophyte is dependent upon the sporophyte. The male and female gametophytes do not have an independent free-living existence in gymnosperms and angiosperms.

Detailed explanation-2: -Gymnosperms are characterised by a lack of outer covering to seeds, lack of flowers and fruit. Unlike bryophytes and pteridophytes, in gymnosperms, the male and the female gametophytes do not have an independent free-living existence.

Detailed explanation-3: -In bryophytes like mosses, the main plant body is a gametophyte which is independent and the sporophyte is partially or fully dependent on gametophytic generation. In pteridophytes, gametophyte is usually independent and sporophyte is the dominant phase in the life cycle.

Detailed explanation-4: -Complete answer:In gymnosperms (like Pinus), the male and female gametophyte do not have an independent free-living existence.