Investigating Simple Plants: Ferns

Ferns, belonging to the phylum Pteridophyta, are the most well-known seedless vascular plants. They originated around 350 million years ago and thrived during the Carboniferous period. Ferns have true leaves, stems, and roots with vascular tissue. Their sporophyte phase varies in size and includes a rhizome and fronds. Ferns reproduce through a cycle alternating between haploid gametophyte and diploid sporophyte phases. Spores develop into gametophytes, which facilitate fertilization, leading to new sporophyte ferns.

Explain the structure and function of a fern's rhizome.

What role do sporangia play in the reproduction of ferns?