Gametophyte is a dominant phase in the life cycle of a bryophyte. Explain.

In bryophytes, the dominant phase is represented by a gametophytic plant. The gametophyte is independent, photosynthetic, thalloid phase. Antheridia and archegonia are formed on the gametophyte. These organs are multicellular. These organs bear the respective gametes, that is male and female gametes respectively. The antheridium produces biflagellate antherozoids, the archegonium is flask shaped and produces a single egg. 
Water is the medium used for the transfer of antheridium to archegonium. The flagella present in the antheridium provide motility to the gamete. the two gametes and the process of fertilisation take place. The zygote formed does not undergo meiosis immediately after the fertilization and forms a multicellular body called sporophyte. 
The sporophyte is smaller , dependent on the gametophyte and remains attached to the gametophyte and derives nutrition from it. Some cells of the sporophyte undergo reduction division and give rise to the haploid spores which germinate to produce gametophyte.
Thus, the gametophyte is the dominant phase and occupies a major part of the lifespan of the bryophyte.