TRB PG Assistant - Pteridophytes - classification (Sporne 1976), distribution of extinct and extant forms, comparative morphology and anatomy of sporophytes, gametophyte structure and development (Psilopsida, Lycopsida, Sphenopsida, Pteropsida) Online Test (MCQ Quiz)

1. Which classification system for Pteridophytes is specifically mentioned in the topic?

A) Smith's Classification B) Sporne's Classification (1976) C) Kubitzki's Classification D) Cronquist's Classification

2. What does the term 'extant' refer to in the context of Pteridophyte distribution?

A) Fossilized forms B) Currently living species C) Extinct species D) Geographically widespread species

3. The sporophyte generation in Pteridophytes is typically:

A) Haploid and dominant B) Diploid and dominant C) Haploid and reduced D) Diploid and reduced

4. Which of the following is a characteristic of the gametophyte generation in Pteridophytes?

A) It is diploid and independent. B) It is haploid and dependent on the sporophyte. C) It is haploid and independent or partially dependent. D) It is diploid and dependent on the gametophyte.

5. Psilopsida, Lycopsida, Sphenopsida, and Pteropsida are major groups within which Pteridophyte classification?

A) Families B) Orders C) Classes D) Divisions

6. Which extinct group of Pteridophytes is characterized by dichotomous branching of the stem and lack of true roots and leaves?

A) Lycopsida B) Sphenopsida C) Pteropsida D) Psilophytales (within Psilopsida)

7. The 'living fossil' *Psilotum* is a representative of which class of Pteridophytes?

A) Lycopsida B) Sphenopsida C) Pteropsida D) Psilopsida

8. Lycopsida are characterized by:

A) Scale leaves and sporangia borne on sporophylls B) Jointed stems with whorls of leaves and sporangia in cones C) Large, megaphyllous leaves and coiled vernation D) Homosporous reproduction

9. Which extinct group, closely related to modern horsetails, had woody stems and large cones?

A) Lepidodendron (Lycopsida) B) Calamites (Sphenopsida) C) Archaeopteris (Pteropsida) D) Rhynia (Psilopsida)

10. The class Pteropsida includes:

A) Club mosses B) Horsetails C) Ferns and seed ferns D) Whisk ferns

11. What is the term for the leaf-like appendages bearing sporangia in many Pteridophytes, particularly in Lycopsida?

A) Sporophylls B) Microphylls C) Megaphylls D) Fronds

12. In Lycopsida, the leaves are typically microphylls. What characterizes a microphyll?

A) A large, complex leaf with multiple vascular strands. B) A small leaf with a single, unbranched vascular strand. C) A leaf modified for spore production. D) A leaf that develops from a telome.

13. Sphenopsida are recognized by their:

A) Dichotomously branched stems and scale-like leaves. B) Jointed stems with whorled leaves and often terminal cones. C) Large, broad leaves (megaphylls) and coiled young leaves. D) Rhizomes with aerial stems and scale-like appendages.

14. Which extinct group of Lycopsida had massive trees that contributed significantly to coal formation?

A) Calamites B) Lepidodendron C) Psilotum D) Equisetum

15. The characteristic coiled vernation (circinate vernation) is a hallmark of which Pteridophyte group?

A) Lycopsida B) Sphenopsida C) Pteropsida (Ferns) D) Psilopsida

16. In typical ferns (Pteropsida), the sporangia are often clustered in structures called:

A) Strobili B) Sori C) Sporophylls D) Cones

17. The development of the gametophyte in Pteridophytes can be exosporic or endosporic. Which group primarily exhibits endosporic gametophyte development?

A) Psilopsida B) Lycopsida C) Sphenopsida D) Pteropsida

18. The gametophyte of *Psilotum* is:

A) Exosporic, subterranean, and saprophytic B) Exosporic, aerial, and photosynthetic C) Endosporic and dioecious D) Homosporous and bisexual

19. Which of the following is a characteristic of the sporophyte anatomy of *Equisetum* (Sphenopsida)?

A) Solid vascular cylinder and absence of pith. B) Hollow stem with prominent ridges and valleculae. C) Differentiated into root, stem, and leaves. D) Presence of large, compound leaves (fronds).

20. The vascular tissues in the stele of many Pteridophytes are arranged in a pattern characteristic of:

A) Protostele B) Siphonostele C) Dictyostele D) All of the above, depending on the group and age

21. Which Pteridophyte class is characterized by the presence of true roots, stems, and leaves, with leaves being megaphyllous?

A) Psilopsida B) Lycopsida C) Sphenopsida D) Pteropsida

22. The 'Rhyniophytes', such as *Rhynia* and *Hornea*, are important representatives of which extinct group?

A) Early Lycopsida B) Early Sphenopsida C) Early Psilophytales D) Early Pteropsida

23. Sporne's (1976) classification places the ferns and seed ferns into which of the following groups?

A) Lycophyta B) Sphenophyta C) Pterophyta D) Psilophyta

24. What is the primary difference between microphylls and megaphylls in Pteridophytes?

A) Microphylls are always associated with sporangia; megaphylls are not. B) Microphylls have a single vascular strand; megaphylls have multiple vascular strands. C) Microphylls are always simple; megaphylls are always compound. D) Microphylls are derived from fused telomes; megaphylls are not.

25. The strobilus (cone) in Lycopsida and Sphenopsida is composed of modified leaves called:

A) Fronds B) Sporophylls C) Tracheids D) Rhizoids

26. Which extinct group shows a transition towards seed habit, possessing fern-like leaves and some heterospory?

A) Psilophytales B) Lepidodendrales (Lycopsida) C) Medullosales (Pteropsida, Seed Ferns) D) Calamitales (Sphenopsida)

27. The development of the vascular system in the stem of Pteridophytes often involves the formation of a central core of xylem and phloem, known as:

A) Cortex B) Epidermis C) Stele D) Pith

28. In many ferns (Pteropsida), the gametophyte is a small, heart-shaped, photosynthetic structure called a:

A) Prothallus B) Rhizome C) Sporangium D) Antheridium

29. The presence of endodermis with Casparian strips in the stele is a characteristic feature found in:

A) All Pteridophytes B) Only Lycopsida C) Only Sphenopsida D) Generally in the stems and roots of Pteridophytes

30. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the sporophyte of *Psilotum*?

A) Dichotomous branching B) Lack of true roots C) Presence of large, compound fronds D) Bifid sporangia

31. The extinct group Equisetales, within Sphenopsida, is represented today by the genus:

A) Lycopodium B) Selaginella C) Equisetum D) Adiantum

32. Heterospory, the production of two types of spores, is a significant evolutionary development in Pteridophytes. Which group prominently exhibits heterospory?

A) Psilopsida B) Most Lycopsida (e.g., *Selaginella*) C) Most Sphenopsida D) Most Pteropsida (Ferns)

33. The development of the gametophyte from a single spore within the spore wall is termed:

A) Exosporic B) Endosporic C) Homosporous D) Heterosporous

34. Which of the following extinct groups is considered a precursor to modern conifers and flowering plants due to its seed-bearing structures?

A) Rhyniophytes B) Lepidodendrales C) Seed Ferns (Pteridospermatophyta) D) Calamitales

35. The vascular bundles in the stem of a fern (Pteropsida) are typically arranged in a:

A) Protostele B) Siphonostele or Dictyostele C) Actinostele D) Haplostele

36. The structure responsible for spore production in Pteridophytes, typically containing spores, is called a:

A) Gametangium B) Sporangium C) Sporophyll D) Zygote

37. Which of the following is a key anatomical feature of the stem in Lycopsida?

A) Distinct pith and cortex with vascular bundles arranged in a ring. B) Hollow, jointed stem with ridged surface. C) Solid central xylem (protostele) or a siphonostele with leaf gaps. D) Absence of vascular tissue.

38. The gametophyte generation in Pteridophytes is responsible for producing gametes. The male gametangium is called:

A) Oogonium B) Archegonium C) Antheridium D) Sporophyte

39. The female gametangium in Pteridophytes, which produces the egg cell, is known as:

A) Antheridium B) Sporangium C) Oogonium D) Archegonium

40. The development of a prominent, independent sporophyte generation is a defining characteristic of:

A) Algae B) Bryophytes C) Pteridophytes D) Gymnosperms

41. Which class of Pteridophytes includes the extinct 'Calamites' and the living 'Horsetails'?

A) Psilopsida B) Lycopsida C) Sphenopsida D) Pteropsida

42. The 'seed ferns' (Pteridospermatophyta) are classified under which major group according to Sporne's system?

A) Lycophyta B) Sphenophyta C) Pterophyta D) Psilophyta

43. What is the term for the vascular tissue arrangement where xylem and phloem are arranged in separate, distinct strands, often with a pith?

A) Protostele B) Siphonostele C) Polycyclic stele D) Actinostele

44. The presence of sporangia clustered on the underside of fern leaves (fronds) in definite groups is characteristic of:

A) Strobili B) Sori C) Sporangiophores D) Cones

45. Which extinct Pteridophyte group is characterized by dichotomous branching, terminal sporangia, and the absence of true leaves and roots?

A) Lycopsida B) Sphenopsida C) Psilophytales D) Pteropsida

46. The evolution of vascular tissue (xylem and phloem) is a key feature that distinguishes Pteridophytes from:

A) Gymnosperms B) Angiosperms C) Bryophytes D) Seed Ferns

47. In *Selaginella* (Lycopsida), the larger spore type develops into:

A) A male gametophyte B) A female gametophyte C) A sporophyte D) Antheridia only

48. Sporne's classification (1976) groups the clubmosses and their allies into which division?

A) Psilophyta B) Sphenophyta C) Pterophyta D) Lycophyta

49. The term 'Pteropsida' in Sporne's classification primarily encompasses:

A) Whisk ferns and horsetails B) Club mosses and spikemosses C) Ferns, seed ferns, and modern seed plants D) Extinct Devonian plants like *Rhynia*

50. Which extinct group of Lycopsida, like *Sigillaria*, featured large, ribbed stems and spore-bearing organs arranged spirally?

A) Calamitales B) Lepidodendrales C) Psilophytales D) Equisetales

Pteridophytes - classification (Sporne 1976), distribution of extinct and extant forms, comparative morphology and anatomy of sporophytes, gametophyte structure and development (Psilopsida, Lycopsida, Sphenopsida, Pteropsida) - Online Test

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