Chapter 21.3, Problem 1NV

Summary Introduction

To determine:

Definition of the terms, strobilus, epiphyte, rhizome, sporangium, and sori.

Explanation of Solution

In some seedless vascular plants, sporophytes are known as strobilus (plural, strobili). A strobilus is a compact cluster of spore-bearing structures. The tiny spores produced in the strobilus often are carried by the wind.

Plants that live anchored to other plants and objects are epiphyte. They are not parasitic on the anchored plants.

A rhizome is a food storage organ of fern. They are the thick underground part of stems and roots produced by sporophytes.

Sporangium is a vessel-like enclosure in which spores are formed. It can be unicellular or it can be multicellular.

Sori or sorus is a cluster or group of spore-producing structures (sporangium) which is found in the interior side of the fern leaves.