Correct Response: B. Spores are part of the haploid phase of the fern life cycle. When fern spores germinate, they undergo mitosis to produce a haploid gametophyte, the function of which is to produce gametes. When a male gamete fertilizes a female gamete a fern can transition to the diploid phase of its life cycle. A rhizoid (A) is a filamentous structure primarily produced on the underside of a moss thallus, and functions in anchoring the plant or conducting water. The archegonium (C) is the sex organ within the gametophyte that produces oocytes. The sporophyte (D) is the multicellular diploid phase of the fern.
