The correct sequence of reproductive stages seen in flowering plants is a. gametes, zygote, embryo, seedling.
Explanation:
1. Gametes:
The process begins with the formation of male and female gametes (sperm and egg) in the flower.
2. Zygote:
When the male and female gametes fuse during fertilization, they form a zygote.
3. Embryo:
The zygote undergoes repeated cell division to develop into an embryo.
4. Seedling:
The embryo develops further within the seed, and when the seed germinates under suitable conditions, it becomes a seedling.
Why other options are incorrect:
b. zygote, gametes, embryo, seedling: The zygote is formed after the fusion of gametes, not before.
c. seedling, embryo, zygote, gametes: A seedling is the final stage in the reproductive process, not the beginning.
d. gametes, embryo, zygote, seedling: The embryo develops from the zygote, not before.