Imagine a situation in which it is beneficial for algae to have a sporophyte and a gametophyte of the same structure.

Imagine a situation in which it is beneficial for algae to have a sporophyte and a gametophyte of the same structure. Imagine a situation in which it is beneficial for algae to have a sporophyte and gametophyte of different structures.

It is advantageous to have a gametophyte and a sporophyte of the same structure in relatively constant environmental conditions, since in this case both generations of algae will have good traits. It can also be beneficial when breeding rapidly in a stable season, and dormant spores or zygotes can experience adversity. Gametophyte and sporophyte of different structures are beneficial under changing environmental conditions, as well as for reducing intraspecific competition: due to different structures, generations can be in different ecological niches and live in different habitats (for example, in porphyry, the conchocelis stage is a borer of mollusk shells, and gametophyte – a typical producer).