Given below are two statements: One is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): In bryophytes, the sporophyte is not a free-living generation. Reason (R): The sporophyte remains attached to the photosynthetic gametophyte and derives its nourishment from it. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Step-by-step solution

In bryophytes, the main plant body is haploid and is called the gametophyte, which is independent and photosynthetic. The sporophyte is a multicellular diploid structure that is not free-living. It remains physically attached to the photosynthetic gametophyte throughout its life to derive nourishment and support. Therefore, Assertion (A) is correct, and Reason (R) is also correct and provides the exact explanation for why the sporophyte is not a free-living generation. Answer: Both A and R are correct and R is the