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TheInterpolation Theory, also known as theIntercalation Theory or theAntithetic Theory, is a theory that attempts to explain the origin of thealternation of generations inplants. The Interpolation Theory suggests that thesporophyte generation progenated from ahaploid, greenalgalthallus in which repeatedmitotic cell divisions of azygote produced anembryo retained on thethallus and gave rise to thediploid phase (sporophyte). Ensuingevolution caused thesporophyte to become increasingly complex, both organographically and anatomically.
The Interpolation Theory was introduced byČelakovský (1874) as the Antithetic Theory. Bower (1889) further developed this theory and renamed it the Interpolation Theory. The theory was later supported by Overton (1893), Scott (1896), Strasburger (1897), Williams (1904), and others.
The gradualevolution of an independent,sporophyte phase was viewed by Bower as being closely related to the transition from aquatic to terrestrial plant life onEarth.
Evidence supporting this theory can be found in the life cycle of modernBryophytes in which thesporophyte is physiologically dependent on thegametophyte. Competing theories include theTransformation theory, which was introduced as theHomologous theory by Čelakovský, and also renamed by Bower.