Question

Pteridophytes are called vascular cryptogams, because they are non-seeded plants containing
a. Xylem and Phloem
b. Only Xylem
c. Only Phloem
d. Neither Xylem nor Phloem

Answer 1

Hint: Pteridophytes are known as the first terrestrial (land-dwelling) vascular plants. Pteridophytes fall in between bryophytes and spermatophytes. They are classified as “cryptogamae”.

Complete answer:
- Pteridophytes are also known as Cryptograms (secreted ways of reproduction), since flowers and seeds are not made by them.
- Pteridophytes most likely grow well in damp and shaded regions. Sometimes, they also thrive in wet top soils. They have a well set-apart plant body system with well-distinguished stem, roots, and leaves.
- Pteridophytes are sporophytes.
- The stem in pteridophytes is developed into an underground rhizome.
- A few of them have microphylls (tiny leaves) whereas other few have megaphylls (big leaves). For instance, lycopodium and Pteris respectively. Sometimes, the bottom of a few leaves might possess spores on them. Thus leaves of this kind are known as sporophylls.
- These are no flower and seed-bearing plants, hence they reproduce through spores.
- At times, the sporophylls develop cones and strobili (compressed structures).
- These plants comprise a well-defined vascular system which consists of Xylem and Phloem.
- Xylem helps in the conveyance of water, whereas phloem helps in the conveyance of food.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Additional information:
In 1942, Oswald and Tippo, categorized Pteridophytes further into 4 classes-
Psilopsida – e.g: Psilotum
Lycopsida – e.g: Lycopodium
Sphenopsida – e.g: Equisetum
Pteropsida – e.g: Pteris

Note: The term pteridophytes originated from Greek words “pterion and python” which mean a feather and plant respectively. Pteridophytes are also referred to as “botanical snakes”, since they were developed after bryophytes.