An individual of the diploid generation in the life cycle of a plant. The sporophyte arises from the fusion of two haploid gametes from the * gametophyte or haploid generation. In bryophytes, the sporophyte constitutes the minor part of the life cycle, and is either partially or completely dependent on the gametophyte for anchorage and nutrition. In the vascular plants the sporophyte is the dominant generation and is independent of the gametophyte. The sporophyte is more specialized than the gametophyte and by the development of such structures as a cuticle, conducting tissue, and stomata is adapted to a wider range of environments. See also alternation of generations. |
