heterosporus

Heterosporus is a term used in biology, particularly in botany and paleobotany, to describe organisms that produce two distinctly different types of spores. This is in contrast to homosporous organisms, which produce only one type of spore. The two types of spores in heterosporous species are typically distinguished by their size and sex.

The smaller spores are called microspores, and they develop into the male gametophyte. The larger spores are called megaspores, and they develop into the female gametophyte. This development of distinct male and female gametophytes from different spore types is a key characteristic of heterospory.

Heterospory is considered an evolutionary innovation that has played a significant role in the diversification of plants. It is found in several groups of plants, including all seed plants (gymnosperms and angiosperms), as well as some lycophytes (like *Isoetes* and *Selaginella*) and ferns. The evolution of heterospory is thought to have been a precursor to the evolution of seeds, as the megaspore became retained within the parent sporophyte, leading to a more protected and nourished developing embryo.

This differentiation in spore size and function allows for a more specialized development of gametophytes and, consequently, for more efficient sexual reproduction and greater genetic diversity. The retention of the megaspore and the development of the female gametophyte within the parent plant also offered a significant advantage in terrestrial environments by providing a more protected and resource-rich environment for the early stages of embryonic development.