What type of plant lifecycle alternates between a gametophyte and sporophyte phase?

The correct answer is that all plants exhibit a lifecycle that alternates between a gametophyte phase and a sporophyte phase, which is known as alternation of generations. This is a fundamental aspect of plant biology and occurs in various forms across different plant groups.

In the gametophyte phase, plants produce gametes (sperm and eggs) through mitosis, which typically occurs in the haploid stage (having one set of chromosomes). Fertilization of gametes leads to the formation of a diploid zygote, which develops into the sporophyte phase. The sporophyte is multicellular and diploid, and it produces spores through meiosis, returning to the haploid phase. This cycle continues as the spores germinate and develop into new gametophytes.

Ferns, trees, flowering plants, and other plant types all share this basic lifecycle pattern, making it a universal characteristic of the plant kingdom. Thus, the option that states the lifecycle of all plants is the most accurate description of this phenomenon.