What do heterosporous plants do?

Heterosporous plants have the ability to produce two distinct types of spores: microspores and megaspores. The microspores develop into male gametophytes, while the megaspores develop into female gametophytes. This differentiation allows for sexual reproduction to occur, leading to greater genetic diversity. In contrast to homosporous plants, which produce a single type of spore that can develop into either male or female gametophytes, heterosporous plants exhibit a level of specialization that enhances their reproductive strategies.

This characteristic is commonly observed in various groups of plants, including ferns, some gymnosperms, and angiosperms, which utilize this mechanism for reproduction. Understanding the reproductive process in heterosporous plants highlights the evolutionary adaptations that allow for more varied and successful reproductive outcomes in diverse environments.