In sporophyte ferns, the leaves are __________.

• A. microphylls
• B. protonemata
• C. sporangia
• D. blades
• E. megaphylls

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure of a fern: Ferns are vascular plants that have a life cycle involving both sporophyte and gametophyte generations. The sporophyte is the dominant generation in ferns.
2. Identify the function of leaves in sporophyte ferns: In the sporophyte generation, ferns have leaves that are responsible for photosynthesis and reproduction.
3. Learn about leaf types: Microphylls are small leaves with a single vein, typically found in lycophytes. Megaphylls are larger leaves with multiple veins, common in ferns and other vascular plants.
4. Recognize the term 'megaphylls': In sporophyte ferns, the leaves are called megaphylls due to their complex vein structure and larger size compared to microphylls.
5. Differentiate between the options: Protonemata are structures found in mosses, sporangia are structures that produce spores, and blades refer to the flat part of a leaf. Megaphylls are the correct term for fern leaves in the sporophyte stage.