Question

Why do moss plants produce very large number of male gametes? Provide one reason. What are these gametes called?

Answer 1

Moss plants produce a large number of male gametes to increase the chances of fertilisation, as the eggs are located in the archegonium and the male gametes have to swim in water to reach the eggs for fertilisation to occur. The male gametes are called antherozoids.

Answer 2

Moss plants produce a very large number of male gametes because the male gametes need to move through a moist environment to reach the egg for fertilization. Many male gametes fail to reach the egg, so producing them in large numbers compensates for this loss. These male gametes are called antherozoids.