HORTICULTURE

Detailed explanation-1: -Gymnosperms have an advanced root foundation and are made up of vascular tissues, whereas pteridophytes are divided into root systems, stalks, and leaflets. In pteridophytes, the main part of evolution i.e the seed is missing. Hence, gymnosperms are viewed as further developed.

Detailed explanation-2: -Compared to ferns, gymnosperms have three additional adaptations that make survival in diverse land habitats possible. These adaptations include an even smaller gametophyte, pollen, and the seed. Gymnosperms are plants that bear seeds that are “naked, ‘’ meaning not enclosed in an ovary.

Detailed explanation-3: -Unlike bryophytes and pteridophytes, in gymnosperms the male and the female gametophytes do not have an independent free-living existence. They remain within the sporangia retained on the sporophytes. Pteridophytes have free living, photosynthetic thalloid gametophyte called prothallus.

Detailed explanation-4: -Answer. Explanation: In pteridophytes both microspores and megaspores are released from their respective sporangia, whereas in gymnosperms, megaspore is permanently retained.