Answer: Pteridophyta.
- A Bryophyta
- B Pteridophyta
- C Gymnospermae
- D Angiospermae
Correct answer: B. Pteridophyta
Explanation: Ferns are pteridophytes. They have true roots, stems, and leaves, plus vascular tissue, but reproduce by spores not seeds. Examples: Dryopteris, Pteris.
Plants evolved from water-dependent algae through increasingly land-adapted groups, gaining vascular tissue (Pteridophyta), then seeds (Gymnosperms), and finally fruit-enclosed seeds (Angiosperms) - each step reducing dependence on water for reproduction.
Concept context
Classification of plants from algae to angiosperms. Understanding plant diversity is essential for NEET.