With reference to spore formation in plants, consider the following statements: 1. Spores are sexual reproductive bodies. 2. Spores possess a hard protective coat to withstand unfavourable conditions. 3. Under favourable conditions, a spore germinates and develops into a new individual. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only. Explanation Spore formation is a common method of asexual reproduction observed in many simple multicellular organisms, including fungi (e.g., Rhizopus or bread mould) and non-flowering plants like ferns and mosses. It allows the organism to survive unfavorable environmental conditions and propagate rapidly when conditions improve. - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Spores are asexual reproductive bodies. Unlike sexual reproduction, which involves the fusion of male and female gametes, spore formation does not involve gametic fusion. Each spore is capable of developing into a new individual on its own without fertilization. - Statement 2 is Correct: Spores are unicellular reproductive units covered by a hard protective coat. This tough outer layer enables them to withstand unfavourable environmental conditions such as high temperatures, low humidity, and lack of nutrients. - Statement 3 is Correct: The protective coat allows the spore to remain dormant until the environment becomes suitable. Under favourable conditions (such as adequate moisture and temperature), the hard coat ruptures, and the spore germinates to develop into a new individual. Key Takeaway: Spores are asexual reproductive structures equipped with hard protective coats to survive harsh conditions, distinguishing them from gametes (sexual units) and seeds.

NCERT Class 7 Science — Chapter 4: Reproduction in plants

mcqmedium

With reference to spore formation in plants, consider the following statements:

Spores are sexual reproductive bodies.
Spores possess a hard protective coat to withstand unfavourable conditions.
Under favourable conditions, a spore germinates and develops into a new individual.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Spore formation is a common method of asexual reproduction observed in many simple multicellular organisms, including fungi (e.g., Rhizopus or bread mould) and non-flowering plants like ferns and mosses. It allows the organism to survive unfavorable environmental conditions and propagate rapidly when conditions improve.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Spores are asexual reproductive bodies. Unlike sexual reproduction, which involves the fusion of male and female gametes, spore formation does not involve gametic fusion. Each spore is capable of developing into a new individual on its own without fertilization.
Statement 2 is Correct: Spores are unicellular reproductive units covered by a hard protective coat. This tough outer layer enables them to withstand unfavourable environmental conditions such as high temperatures, low humidity, and lack of nutrients.
Statement 3 is Correct: The protective coat allows the spore to remain dormant until the environment becomes suitable. Under favourable conditions (such as adequate moisture and temperature), the hard coat ruptures, and the spore germinates to develop into a new individual.

Key Takeaway: Spores are asexual reproductive structures equipped with hard protective coats to survive harsh conditions, distinguishing them from gametes (sexual units) and seeds.

Your note

More from Chapter 4: Reproduction in plants

Consider the following statements regarding the sequence of events in the reproduction of a flowering plant: 1. Pollination precedes fertilisation. 2. Seed dispersal occurs before fruit formation. 3. Fertilisation results in the formation of pollen grains. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which of the following is a correct match of the plant and its vegetative part used for reproduction?

easy

With reference to the vegetative parts of a plant, consider the following statements: 1. Roots, stems, and leaves are classified as the vegetative parts of a plant. 2. Flowers are considered vegetative parts because they support the growth of the plant. 3. Vegetative propagation allows plants to produce new individuals without the use of seeds. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding vegetative propagation in plants: 1. Plants produced by this method take longer to grow compared to those grown from seeds. 2. New plants produced are exact copies of the parent plant. 3. It involves the production of new plants from roots, stems, leaves, or buds. Which of the statements given above are correct?

medium

Consider the following pairs of plants and their mode of vegetative propagation: 1. Rose : Stem cutting 2. Bryophyllum : Leaf buds 3. Sweet Potato : Root 4. Ginger : Stem How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

medium

Keep practising Chapter 4: Reproduction in plants

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 7 Science chapters

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Spores are asexual reproductive bodies. Unlike sexual reproduction, which involves the fusion of male and female gametes, spore formation does not involve gametic fusion. Each spore is capable of developing into a new individual on its own without fertilization.
Statement 2 is Correct: Spores are unicellular reproductive units covered by a hard protective coat. This tough outer layer enables them to withstand unfavourable environmental conditions such as high temperatures, low humidity, and lack of nutrients.
Statement 3 is Correct: The protective coat allows the spore to remain dormant until the environment becomes suitable. Under favourable conditions (such as adequate moisture and temperature), the hard coat ruptures, and the spore germinates to develop into a new individual.

Key Takeaway: Spores are asexual reproductive structures equipped with hard protective coats to survive harsh conditions, distinguishing them from gametes (sexual units) and seeds.