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Sorus

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	Sorus
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	Topics Sorus Topic Home In fernFern A fern is any one of a group of about 20,000 species of plants classified in the phylum or division Pteridophyta, also... s, a sorus (pl. sori) is a yellowish or brownish cluster of sporangiaSporangium A sporangium is a plant or fungal structure producing and containing spores.... on the edge or underside of a fertile frondFrond A frond is the breast- like structure of a fern or alga.... . In some species, they are protected during development by a scale or film of tissue called the indusium, which forms an umbrella-like cover. Sori occur on the sporophyteSporophyte A sporophyte is the structure of a plant or alga that has a diploid set of chromosomes.... generation, the sporangia within producing haploid meiosporeSpore Overview In biology, a spore is a reproductive structure that is adapted for dispersion and surviving for extended periods of time in... s. As the sporongia mature, the indusium shrivels so that spore release is unimpeded. The sporangia then burst and release the spores. The shape, arrangement, and location of the sori are often valuable clues in the identification of fern taxa. Sori may be circular or linear. They may be arranged in rows, either parallel or oblique to the costa, or randomly. Their location may be marginal or set away from the margin on the frond lamina. The presence or absence of indusium is also used to identify fern taxa. In fungi and lichens, a sorus is a cluster of sporangiaSporangium A sporangium is a plant or fungal structure producing and containing spores.... surrounded by an external layer. Gallery