Heterospory i.e., formation of two types of spores – microspores and megaspores is a characteristic feature in the life cycle of a few members of pteridophytes and all spermatophytes. Do you think heterospory has some evolutionary significance in plant kingdom?
Heterospory involves the formation of two types of spores. Microspores and megaspores. The smaller ones are microspores and the larger ones are megaspores. In the pteridophytes, the microspores and the megaspores germinate to give rise to male and female gametophytes respectively.
From the evolutionary point of view , heterospory is a precursor to the seed habit found in higher plants. Seeds enable the plants to survive in the unfavourable conditions. seeds also help in the dispersal of the plant species over a wider geographical area.
