A moss plant can withstand drought by means of its

Analyze the question: It asks how a moss plant survives drought (a long dry period). We need the structure that can stay alive in dry conditions and then grow when water returns.

Explain the concept: Mosses are bryophytes. They have no true roots, stems or leaves, and they need water for fertilization because their male gametes (sperm) swim to the egg. During drought, the plant itself may dry up, so survival depends on reproductive structures that are resistant to dry conditions.

Look at each option:

• A. Spores: These are produced in the capsule of the sporophyte. They have tough, protective walls and are very light. They can stay dormant through dry periods and germinate into new protonema (and then moss plants) when moisture returns. This is how mosses survive drought.
• B. Rhizoids: These are thin, hair-like structures that anchor the moss and absorb a little water. They are not drought-resistant structures.
• C. Antheridia: These are male sex organs that produce sperm. The sperm need water to swim, so these actually depend on moisture.
• D. Archegonia (spelled "achegonia" in the question): These are female sex organs that hold the egg. They also depend on water for fertilization and do not give drought resistance.

Answer: The drought-resistant structures are the spores, so the answer is A.

Tip: Remember "spores = survival and spread." Whenever a question asks about surviving harsh conditions in mosses or ferns, think of spores. Antheridia and archegonia are about reproduction and need water. Rhizoids are about anchorage.