The correct sequence of events in the life cycle of bryophytes is
A.  Fusion of antherozoid with egg.
B.  Attachment of gametophyte to substratum.

C.  Reduction division to produce haploid spores.

D.  Formation of sporophyte.

E.   Release of antherozoids into water.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

In the life cycle of bryophytes the events occur in the following order:

1. Attachment of gametophyte to substratum (B)
Spores that are produced by the sporophyte germinate and the resulting filaments grow into a protonemium, which then develops into the leafy or thalloid gametophyte. This gametophyte becomes anchored to the soil or other substrate.

2. Release of antherozoids into water (E)
The mature gametophyte forms male organs called antheridia. Inside the antheridia, motile sperm cells (antherozoids) are produced and released into a thin film of water surrounding the plant.

3. Fusion of antherozoid with egg (A)
The swimming antherozoids travel through the water to reach the female organ, the archegonium, where they fuse with the haploid egg cell. This fertilization event creates a diploid zygote.

4. Formation of sporophyte (D)
The zygote develops into a diploid sporophyte, which remains physically attached to the gametophyte and receives nutrients from it. The sporophyte consists of a foot, seta, and capsule.

5. Reduction division to produce haploid spores (C)
Inside the capsule of the sporophyte, meiosis (reduction division) occurs, generating haploid spores. When mature, these spores are released to restart the cycle.

Thus the correct chronological sequence is B, E, A, D, C.