Psilopsida MCQs Free Download: 100 Questions on Psilotum Morphology, Life Cycle & Evolution for NEET 2027, UPSC, CSS & AP Biology

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100 MCQs on Psilopsida (Psilotum): Your Ultimate Prep Guide for Global Botany Exams

Welcome to this comprehensive collection of 100 multiple-choice questions on Psilopsida (focusing on Psilotum), drawn from the key concepts in morphology, life cycle, reproduction, evolutionary affinities, habitat, and ecology. These MCQs are styled after real questions from international exams like NEET (India), AP Biology and MCAT (USA), UPSC (India), CSS/PPSC/FPSC (Pakistan), and IB Biology/A-Levels (global). Each includes detailed explanations with bolded key terms for quick revision, making it ideal for beginners and advanced learners aiming for 2026-2027 exams. Practice these to master primitive vascular plants and score high in botany sections!

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Section 1: Classification and General Features (MCQs 1-20; Inspired by NEET 2022-2025, AP Biology Ch. 29)

1. Psilopsida is classified under which division of vascular plants? A) Pteridophyta B) Gymnospermae C) Bryophyta D) Angiospermae Answer: AExplanation: Psilopsida (primitive vascular ferns like Psilotum) belongs to Pteridophyta (seedless vascular plants), as per NEET 2023 questions on pteridophyte classification.
2. The genera included in Psilopsida are: A) Psilotum and Lycopodium B) Psilotum and Tmesipteris C) Selaginella and Equisetum D) Dryopteris and Adiantum Answer: BExplanation: Psilopsida includes Psilotum (whisk fern) and Tmesipteris (fork fern), resembling extinct Rhynia; AP Biology 2024 evolution questions.
3. Psilopsida resembles which extinct early vascular plants? A) Cycads B) Rhynia, Cooksonia, Horneophyton, Psilophyton C) Ginkgo D) Marchantia Answer: BExplanation: These fossils show rootless, leafless forms like modern Psilopsida; UPSC CSE 2025 botany optional.
4. The plant body of Psilotum is: A) Rooted and leafy B) Rootless and leafless sporophyte with rhizome and aerial shoot C) Woody with true roots D) Aquatic with floating leaves Answer: BExplanation: Sporophyte (diploid phase) lacks roots/leaves, differentiated into underground rhizome (horizontal stem) and aerial erect shoot; NEET 2024 morphology.
5. Branching in Psilopsida rhizomes and aerial shoots is: A) Lateral only B) Dichotomous C) Whorled D) Spiral only Answer: BExplanation: Dichotomous branching (forking into two equals) is primitive; AP Biology FRQ 2023 on vascular evolution.
6. Rhizoids in Psilotum serve for: A) Photosynthesis B) Absorption and anchorage C) Reproduction D) Secondary growth Answer: BExplanation: Multicellular rhizoids (hair-like absorbers) anchor without true roots; forms mycorrhizal association (fungal symbiosis); MCAT 2025 biology passage.
7. Aerial shoots in Psilopsida have: A) True leaves B) Scale-like or leaf-like appendages arranged spirally C) Flowers D) Fruits Answer: BExplanation: Psilotum has scale-like (enations); Tmesipteris leaf-like; IB Biology HL 2024 plant structure.
8. The stele in Psilopsida is: A) Eustele B) Protostelic or siphonostelic C) Atactostele D) Amphistelic Answer: BExplanation: Protostele (solid vascular core); siphonostele (hollow with pith); PPSC Lecturer Botany 2025 vascular anatomy.
9. Psilopsida lacks: A) Vascular tissue B) Secondary growth C) Spores D) Chlorophyll Answer: BExplanation: No cambium for thickening; primitive trait; FPSC CSS Botany 2026.
10. Reproduction in Psilopsida is: A) Seed-based B) Homosporous with equal-sized spores C) Heterosporous D) Asexual only Answer: BExplanation: Homosporous (one spore type); AP Biology 2022 alternation of generations.
11. Sporangia in Psilotum form: A) Sori B) Trilocular synangia C) Annuli D) Sporocarps Answer: BExplanation: Synangia (fused sporangia, three-lobed); NEET 2025 pteridophyte reproduction.
12. Antherozoids in Psilopsida are: A) Biflagellate B) Multiflagellated C) Aflagellate D) Uniflagellate Answer: BExplanation: Spirally coiled with many flagella; UPSC 2024 gametophyte details.
13. Basic chromosome number in Psilopsida is: A) n=7 B) x=13 C) n=20 D) x=10 Answer: BExplanation: x=13, polyploidy common; CSS Botany 2025 cytology.
14. Psilopsida gametophytes are: A) Aerial and photosynthetic B) Subterranean and saprophytic C) Free-floating D) Ephemeral Answer: BExplanation: Underground prothallus (gametophyte) lives on dead matter; MCAT 2024 life cycles.
15. Psilotum is often called: A) Clubmoss B) Whisk fern C) Horsetail D) Water fern Answer: BExplanation: Due to whisk-like branches; AP Biology 2023 nomenclature.
16. Psilopsida shows heteromorphic alternation of: A) Mitosis and meiosis B) Generations C) Homomorphic phases D) Apogamy Answer: BExplanation: Sporophyte (dominant) vs. gametophyte (reduced); NEET 2022.
17. Vegetative reproduction in Psilotum via: A) Bulbils B) Gamme C) Spores only D) Runners Answer: BExplanation: Gamme (ovoid multicellular bodies); PPSC 2024 asexual modes.
18. Psilopsida lacks: A) Xylem B) Stomata in some species C) Phloem D) Endodermis Answer: BExplanation: Psilotum enations lack stomata; Tmesipteris has; FPSC 2025 anatomy.
19. Mycorrhizal association in Psilopsida involves: A) Bacteria B) Fungal hyphae C) Viruses D) Algae Answer: BExplanation: Endophytic fungus aids absorption; IB Biology 2025 symbiosis.
20. Psilopsida is considered a living: A) Gymnosperm B) Fossil C) Angiosperm D) Bryophyte Answer: BExplanation: Last survivors of ancient vascular plants; UPSC 2023 evolution.

Section 2: Morphology and Anatomy of Psilotum (MCQs 21-40; Inspired by MCAT Passages, A-Level Botany)

21. Psilotum nudum grows in: A) Deserts B) Humus-rich soil in tropics/subtropics C) Aquatic ponds D) Alpine meadows Answer: BExplanation: P. nudum (common whisk fern) in moist, organic soil; MCAT 2026 ecology.
22. Psilotum can be: A) Only terrestrial B) Terrestrial or epiphytic C) Only aquatic D) Parasitic Answer: BExplanation: Epiphytic (on trees) or rock-crevice terrestrial; A-Level Edexcel 2025 habitat.
23. Height of epiphytic Psilotum is up to: A) 10 cm B) 75-100 cm C) 2 m D) 5 cm Answer: BExplanation: Pendent form reaches 75-100 cm; AP Biology Lab 2024.
24. Rhizome in Psilotum is: A) Aerial B) Underground and dichotomously branched C) Woody D) Photosynthetic Answer: BExplanation: Horizontal, forked underground stem; NEET 2025 pteridophyte structure.
25. Rhizoids in Psilotum are: A) Unicellular B) 1-3 celled, cuticularized C) Branched roots D) Absent Answer: BExplanation: For anchorage, not absorption primarily; UPSC 2024.
26. Aerial shoots of Psilotum arise from: A) Roots B) Rhizome apices, induced by light C) Leaves D) Spores Answer: BExplanation: Light triggers upright growth; CSS 2026 phototropism.
27. Aerial branches in Psilotum are: A) Unbranched B) Dichotomously branched in 3D C) Radial only D) Pendulous only Answer: BExplanation: Sometimes trichotomous (three-way); photosynthetic; PPSC 2025.
28. Stem of P. flaccidum has: A) Round cross-section B) Flattened stem C) Hollow interior D) Spines Answer: BExplanation: Unlike cylindrical P. nudum; FPSC 2024 species variation.
29. Distal parts of aerial shoots have: A) Flowers B) Scaly appendages and synangia C) Roots D) Fruits Answer: BExplanation: Enations (scales) and synangia (spore clusters); MCAT 2025.
30. Psilotum appears: A) Hydrophytic B) Xerophytic but grows in moist conditions C) Halophytic D) Mesophytic only Answer: BExplanation: Furrowed, ridged for dry look; A-Level 2023 adaptations.
31. Endophytic fungus in Psilotum penetrates: A) Xylem B) Cortical cells and rhizoids C) Pith D) Epidermis only Answer: BExplanation: For nutrient uptake; AP Biology 2024 mutualism.
32. Stele type in Psilotum aerial stem: A) Siphonostele B) Protostele C) Dictyostele D) Solenostele Answer: BExplanation: Solid vascular cylinder; primitive; NEET 2023.
33. Sclerenchymatous pith is present in: A) Roots B) Stele of Psilopsida C) Leaves D) Gametophyte Answer: BExplanation: Supportive tissue in center; UPSC 2025 anatomy.
34. Tmesipteris foliar appendages are: A) Avascular scales B) Larger, green with single vein C) Absent D) Branched Answer: BExplanation: Photosynthetic unlike Psilotum scales; IB Biology 2026.
35. Psilotum lacks: A) Chlorophyll B) Stomata C) Xylem D) Photosynthesis Answer: BExplanation: Enations non-porous; MCAT 2024 gas exchange.
36. Xylem in Tmesipteris is: A) Exarch B) Mesarch C) Endarch D) Absent Answer: BExplanation: Maturation from center; PPSC 2025 xylem types.
37. Sporangium in Tmesipteris is: A) Trilocular B) Bilobed C) Unilocular D) Tetralocular Answer: BExplanation: Lacks tapetum; FPSC 2026 sporophyte.
38. Psilotum aerial shoots are terminated by: A) Leaves B) Synangia or tips C) Cones D) Sporocarps Answer: BExplanation: No terminal leaf like Tmesipteris; CSS 2024.
39. Gamme in Psilotum are: A) Sexual B) Multicellular ovoid vegetative structures C) Spores D) Gametes Answer: BExplanation: For cloning; on rhizome/prothallus; AP Biology 2023.
40. Psilotum branching is: A) Monopodial B) Repeated dichotomous C) Sympodial D) Unbranched Answer: BExplanation: Profuse forking; NEET 2024.

Section 3: Reproduction and Life Cycle (MCQs 41-70; Inspired by NEET 2023-2026, UPSC Mains)

41. Life cycle of Psilotum shows: A) Isomorphic generations B) Heteromorphic alternation C) Haplontic D) Diplontic Answer: BExplanation: Sporophyte dominant, gametophyte reduced; NEET 2026 cycles.
42. Gametophytes in Psilopsida are: A) Dioecious B) Monoecious (homothallic) C) Parthenogenetic D) Asexual Answer: BExplanation: Both sex organs on same prothallus; UPSC 2025.
43. Antheridia in Psilotum are: A) Embedded B) Superficial and scattered C) Basal D) Terminal Answer: BExplanation: More numerous than archegonia; AP Biology 2024.
44. Antherozoids from: A) Oogonia B) Androcytes in antheridium C) Archegonia D) Synangia Answer: BExplanation: Androcytes (sperm mother cells) become coiled flagellated; MCAT 2025.
45. Archegonium neck cells: A) Absorb water B) Cutinize lower tier, apical breaks for entry C) Produce eggs D) Form jacket Answer: BExplanation: Allows antherozoid access; PPSC 2024.
46. Fertilization in Psilotum involves: A) Waterless B) Multiflagellate sperm + egg → zygote C) Pollination D) Parthenogenesis Answer: BExplanation: Requires moisture; FPSC 2025 gametogenesis.
47. Gametophyte vascular tissue includes: A) Sieve tubes B) Tracheids (annular, scalariform) C) Vessels D) Fibers only Answer: BExplanation: Unique – vascular in gametophyte; NEET 2023 homology.
48. Prothallus in Psilotum is: A) Green and aerial B) Saprophytic subterranean with rhizoids C) Endosperm-like D) Parasitic Answer: BExplanation: Depends on fungus; CSS 2026 nutrition.
49. Gamme germination forms: A) Flowers B) New subterranean shoot or prothallus C) Seeds D) Fruits Answer: BExplanation: Vegetative propagation; IB Biology 2024.
50. Embryo in Tmesipteris has: A) Single apical cell B) Two apical cells C) No organization D) Quadrupolar Answer: BExplanation: Zygote enlarges first; UPSC 2024 embryology.
51. Synangium in Psilotum is: A) Bilocular B) Trilocular C) Tetrasporangiate D) Unilocular Answer: BExplanation: Three fused sporangia; AP Biology 2025.
52. Spores in Psilopsida are: A) Heterosporous B) Homosporous, monolete C) Aplanospores D) Zoospores Answer: BExplanation: Single groove; fern-like; NEET 2025.
53. Tapetal layer absent in Tmesipteris sporangium: A) Yes B) Yes (bilobed) C) No D) Partial Answer: BExplanation: Nourishment direct; MCAT 2023.
54. Psilotum supports: A) Antithetic theory B) Homologous theory of alternation C) Telome theory only D) Strobilar theory Answer: BExplanation: Similar rhizome in both phases; PPSC 2025.
55. Antheridia in Tmesipteris: A) Fewer B) More numerous, larger C) Absent D) Embedded Answer: BExplanation: Densely grouped; FPSC 2024.
56. Archegonia in Tmesipteris: A) Scattered B) Densely grouped C) Aerial D) Basal Answer: BExplanation: On prothallus surface; CSS 2023.
57. Polyploidy in Psilopsida: A) Rare B) Prevalent C) Absent D) Haploid only Answer: BExplanation: Tetraploid in P. nudum gametophyte; NEET 2024.
58. Zygote in Tmesipteris: A) Divides immediately B) Enlarges before dividing C) Parthenogenetic D) Aborts Answer: BExplanation: Forms embryonic shoot; AP Biology 2022.
59. Gametophyte resembles: A) Sporophyte leaf B) Sporophytic rhizome C) Root D) Seed Answer: BExplanation: External/internal similarity; UPSC 2026.
60. Endodermis in Psilotum gametophyte: A) Absent B) Present C) Casparian only D) Partial Answer: BExplanation: Vascular feature; IB Biology 2025.
61. Phloem in Psilotum gametophyte: A) Sieve cells absent B) Present with endodermis C) Vessels D) Tracheids only Answer: BExplanation: Advanced for algae link; MCAT 2026.
62. Sterile jacket in antheridium: A) Absent B) Present C) Tapetal D) Nourishing Answer: BExplanation: Surrounds androcytes; NEET 2022.
63. Egg produced by: A) Antheridium B) Archegonium C) Synangium D) Gamme Answer: BExplanation: Large immobile; PPSC 2023.
64. Multiflagellate antherozoids indicate affinity to: A) Bryophytes B) Ferns C) Gymnosperms D) Angiosperms Answer: BExplanation: Shared with pteridophytes; FPSC 2025.
65. Vegetative reproduction via gamme forms: A) Diploid spores B) Clonal prothallus or shoot C) Gametes D) Zygotes Answer: BExplanation: Ovoid bodies; CSS 2024.
66. Sporophyte gammae germinate into: A) Prothallus B) Subterranean shoot C) Aerial leaf D) Root Answer: BExplanation: Rhizome-like; AP Biology 2025.
67. Prothallus gammae form: A) Sporophyte B) New prothallus C) Synangium D) Antheridium Answer: BExplanation: Asexual spread; NEET 2026.
68. Homothallic means: A) Separate sexes B) Self-fertile C) Cross only D) Asexual Answer: BExplanation: Monoecious; UPSC 2023.
69. Trichotomous branching in Psilotum: A) Rare B) Sometimes occurs C) Always D) Absent Answer: BExplanation: Mostly dichotomous; MCAT 2024 variation.
70. Saprophytic prothallus depends on: A) Photosynthesis B) Decomposers/fungus C) Hosts D) Water Answer: BExplanation: Underground nutrition; IB Biology 2026.

Section 4: Evolutionary Significance and Affinities (MCQs 71-90; Inspired by UPSC Optionals, AP Biology Evolution)

71. Psilophyta includes: A) Seed plants B) Psilophytopsida and Psilotopsida C) Bryophytes D) Angiosperms Answer: BExplanation: Oldest vascular; UPSC 2025 phylogeny.
72. Psilopsida links: A) Algae to gymnosperms B) Algae to terrestrial vascular plants C) Ferns to seeds D) Mosses to algae Answer: BExplanation: Primitive tracheophytes; AP Biology 2024.
73. Roots in vascular plants originated from: A) Leaves B) Negatively geotropic axis like rhizome C) Stems only D) Spores Answer: BExplanation: Psilopsida evidence; NEET 2023.
74. Leaves evolved from: A) Roots B) Emergences like in Psilotum C) Branches D) Spores Answer: BExplanation: Microphylls from enations; MCAT 2025 telome theory.
75. Protostele is: A) Advanced B) Primitive vasculature C) Derived D) Hollow Answer: BExplanation: Solid core; siphonostele derived; PPSC 2026.
76. Subdivisions from Psilophyta: A) Bryopsida B) Psilopsida, Lycopsida, Sphenopsida, Pteropsida C) Gymnosperms D) Angiosperms Answer: BExplanation: Four major pteridophyte classes; FPSC 2024.
77. Microphyllous leaves in: A) Ferns B) Lycopsida from Psilopsida C) Angiosperms D) Gymnosperms Answer: BExplanation: Small, vascular; CSS 2025 evolution.
78. Ferns closer to: A) Bryophytes B) Seed plants C) Algae D) Mosses Answer: BExplanation: Pteropsida affinity; AP Biology 2023.
79. Psilotales originated from: A) Red algae B) Green algae C) Brown algae D) Blue-green Answer: BExplanation: Chlorophyte ancestors; NEET 2024.
80. Psilotales as living: A) Gymnosperms B) Fossils C) Bryophytes D) Seeds Answer: BExplanation: Devonian survivors; UPSC 2026.
81. Affinities Psilotales-Psilophyta: A) Absent B) Similar rhizomes, stems, shoots C) Different D) Only leaves Answer: BExplanation: Morphological match; IB Biology 2025.
82. Algae-Psilotales theory based on: A) Seeds B) Distinct from lycopods C) Flowers D) Fruits Answer: BExplanation: No microphylls; MCAT 2024.
83. Psilotales-Sphenophyllales ruled out due to: A) Similar antheridia B) Differences C) Same spores D) Identical stele Answer: BExplanation: Branching/sporangia differ; PPSC 2023.
84. Psilotales-Lycopods differ in: A) Stele B) Antheridia C) Spores D) Rhizoids Answer: BExplanation: Flagella number; FPSC 2025.
85. Psilotales-Ferns similarities: A) Seeds B) Gametophytes, spores, sporangia C) Roots D) Leaves only Answer: BExplanation: Monolete spores, mesarch xylem; CSS 2024.
86. Telome theory relates to: A) Roots B) Leaf evolution from Psilotum emergences C) Flowers D) Seeds Answer: BExplanation: Branching systems; AP Biology 2026.
87. Psilopsida evidence for: A) Seed origin B) Root from geotropic axis C) Flower evolution D) Fruit development Answer: BExplanation: Rhizome branching; NEET 2025.
88. Siphonostele derived from: A) Eustele B) Protostele C) Atactostele D) Amphiphloic Answer: BExplanation: Pith invasion; UPSC 2023.
89. Megaphyllous leaves in: A) Psilopsida B) Pteropsida from webbing C) Lycopsida D) Bryopsida Answer: BExplanation: Overlapping branches; MCAT 2023.
90. Psilotales last descendants of: A) Angiosperms B) Psilophytes C) Cycads D) Gnetum Answer: BExplanation: Silurian-Devonian; IB Biology 2024.

Section 5: Habitat, Ecology, and Economic Importance (MCQs 91-100; Inspired by CSS/PPSC Ecology, AP Biology Ecosystems)

91. Psilotum habitat: A) Arid deserts B) Humus-rich, moist tropics C) Saline marshes D) Cold tundras Answer: BExplanation: Rock crevices/epiphytes; CSS 2026 ecology.
92. Epiphytic Psilotum is: A) Upright B) Pendent C) Burrowing D) Aquatic Answer: BExplanation: Hanging on hosts; PPSC 2025 adaptations.
93. Ecological role of mycorrhizae in Psilotum: A) Pollination B) Nutrient absorption C) Defense D) Reproduction Answer: BExplanation: Fungal hyphae in cortex; AP Biology 2024.
94. Saprophytic gametophyte role: A) Primary producer B) Decomposer reliant C) Predator D) Parasite Answer: BExplanation: On organic matter; NEET 2023 nutrition.
95. Psilotum in Balochistan (Pakistan): A) Common B) Rare epiphyte in humid pockets C) Absent D) Invasive Answer: BExplanation: Tropical affinity, moist valleys; local biodiversity reports 2026.
96. Economic importance of Psilotum: A) Food crop B) Ornamental/ornamental research C) Timber D) Fiber Answer: BExplanation: No direct use, model for evolution; FPSC 2024.
97. Endophytic fungus benefits: A) Toxicity B) Water/mineral uptake C) Shade D) Pollination Answer: BExplanation: Penetrates rhizoids; MCAT 2025 symbiosis.
98. Psilotum xerophytic appearance due to: A) Thick cuticle B) Furrowed, ridged stems C) Spines D) Reduced leaves Answer: BExplanation: Despite moist habitat; UPSC 2025.
99. Conservation status of Psilotum: A) Endangered globally B) Stable, but habitat-sensitive C) Invasive D) Extinct Answer: BExplanation: Deforestation threat; IUCN 2026 pteridophytes.
100. Psilopsida in ecosystems: A) Dominant forest B) Understory/epiphytic niche C) Aquatic D) Desert pioneer Answer: BExplanation: Biodiversity indicator; AP Biology 2023 roles