Question

Vascular cryptogams are
A. Pteridophytes
B. Angiosperms
C. Mosses
D. Algae

Answer 1

Hint: The vascular cryptogams were the first-ever phylum of the plant kingdom to possess the vascular tissue xylem and phloem. They are also known as botanical snakes.

Complete answer:
Pteridophytes are known as vascular cryptogams due to the presence of xylem and phloem in their vascular bundles. They are seedless and the production of spores is seen in their life cycle.

Additional Information:
> The Pteridophyta term was coined by Haeckel.
> The father of pteridology is Bowers.
> Pteridophytes are plants that most prefer to grow in moist and shady habitats. Pteridophytes are herbaceous plants.
> Some characteristic features of pteridophytes are:
- The principal plant body is a sporophyte that has distinguished roots, stems, and leaves. The primary roots have low longevity.
- Stems are usually modified into underground or aerial stems. The dichotomous type of branching is seen.
- Two different types of leaves are seen in pteridophytes known as microphyllous leaves and megaphyllous leaves.
-Asexual reproduction takes place by meiospore formation. These meiospores are formed by sporic meiosis within the sporangia. Depending on the types of meiospores produced the pteridophyte can be homosporous or heterosporous.
- Sexual reproduction in pteridophytes occurs by oogamy. Water is required for the completion of sexual reproduction. The male sperms from antheridia move to the archegonia through the water.
- Diplohaplontic type of the life cycle is observed in pteridophytes.

So, the correct answer is, “Vascular cryptogams are pteridophytes.”

Note: Even though a majority of pteridophytes are herbaceous but tree ferns like Cyathea, are non-herbaceous pteridophytes. A distinct heteromorphic alternation of generation is seen in pteridophytes. It should be remembered that the sperms produced by the male sex organ antheridia show chemotactic movement. They are attracted to the archegonium as the archegonia secrete mucilage rich in malic acid.