The evolution of sporophyte in Bryophytes have been explained with the help of two theories: one is the Antithetic Theory or Theory of Sterilization and the other one is the Homologous Theory or Reduction Theory. The antithetic theory states that the evolution of sporophytes has taken place from simple (Riccia, Marchantia) to complex (Funaria, Sphagnum) sporophytes through progressive sterilization of potentially sporogenous tissue. The other theory (Homologous theory) however assumes that the evolution of sporophyte has taken place from more complex sporophytes (Funaria, Sphagnum) to simpler ones (Riccia, Marchantia) by retrogressive sterilization of sporogenous tissues (exactly opposite is that of antithetic theory).
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