Full Comparison Table
| Feature | Bryophytes | Pteridophytes | Gymnosperms | Angiosperms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vascular Tissue | ABSENT | PRESENT (first) | Present | Present |
| Dominant Phase | Gametophyte | Sporophyte | Sporophyte | Sporophyte |
| Seeds | Absent | Absent | Present (naked) | Present (in fruit) |
| Fruits | Absent | Absent | Absent | Present |
| Flowers | Absent | Absent | Absent | Present |
| Water for Fertilization | REQUIRED | REQUIRED | NOT required | NOT required |
| Gametophyte Nature | Independent, dominant | Small, independent | Microscopic, dependent | Maximally reduced |
| Gametophyte Name | — | Prothallus | — | Pollen grain / Embryo sac |
| Root System | Rhizoids (pseudo-roots) | True roots | True roots | True roots |
| Examples | Marchantia, Funaria | Dryopteris, Selaginella | Pinus, Cycas, Ginkgo | Rice, Mango, Rose |
Key Transitions to Memorise
- Bryophytes → Pteridophytes: Vascular tissue appears; Sporophyte becomes dominant
- Pteridophytes → Gymnosperms: Seeds appear; Pollen tube replaces swimming sperm
- Gymnosperms → Angiosperms: Flowers appear; Fruits enclose seeds; Double fertilization