After the first generation of plants came through (Bryophytes) it was time for change! A new species of plants came to rise. They were called the Pteridophytes. Pteridophytes are also known as Ferns! These type of plants are far more equipped with beneficial features to help them survive in areas where water isn't as abundant! In order for these plants to reproduce however, they had to utilize the Alternation of Generations method. Just like the Bryophytes, the cycle starts off with a capsule-like feature known as the sporangium releasing wind-borne reproductive spores out into the environment when windy and humid conditions occur. From there the spores will germinate, creating an immature gametophyte. This gametophyte will take its time growing and developing until it's big enough to form into a mature gametophyte. From there the archegonium located further south of the gametophyte will create its eggs for fertilization! Meanwhile, in the antheridium located up north of the gametophyte, will create flagellant sperm that will swim from the antheridium to the archegonium when there is enough water to fertilize the egg! From there, just like in the Bryophyte life cycle a diploid zygote will be created and will continue to live out of the archegonium until a young sporophyte is created! As time goes on a mature sporophyte will be created containing large fronds with sporangium on the under side. Within the sporangium meiosis will take place, creating reproductive spores once again! When the sporangium is ready and environmental conditions are key, it will release the spores into the air to restart the cycle once again.
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