In the alternation of generations life cycle how does the chromosome number of the sporophyte plant compare to the chromosome number of the spores?
a. the spores have half the number of chromosomes as the sporophyte plant.
b. the spores have twice the number of chromosomes as the sporophyte plant.
c. the spores have three times the number of chromosomes as the sporophyte plant.
d. the spores have the same number of chromosomes as the sporophyte plant.

A. The spores have half the number of chromosomes as the sporophyte plant.

Explanation:

In plants, reproduction is related to the phenomenon of alternation of generations, that is, throughout its life cycle, the plant goes through a haploid phase, called gametophyte (n), which alternates with the diploid generation, known as sporophyte (2n). Gamete production is located in the gametophyte, where the male gamete joins the female gamete to form the zygote, which will give rise to the sporophyte. Through meiosis, the sporophyte produces spores (n), which will originate new gametophytes, completing the cycle. Details on alternating generations helps to define the main groups of plants.

In summary, we can say that spores have half the number of chromosomes in the sporophyte plant.