Classification of Pteridophytes
Pteridophytes are mainly classified into four classes; Psilopsida, Lycopsida, Sphenopsida, and Pteropsida.
Psilopsida
Following are some of the characteristics of Psilopsida;
- They are the most primitive class of pteridophytes that are now fossils.
- Their stems were photosynthetic and were branched dichotomously.
- They lack leaves but have rhizoids.
- They have homosporous sporophytes.
- Example: Psilotum, etc.
Lycopsida
Following are some of the characteristics of Lycopsida;
- They are commonly known as the “club moss”.
- The body is well divided into root, stem, and leaves.
- Leaves are very small so are called Microphyllous having a single unbranched mid-rib.
- The sporophylls form clumps called strobili.
- Examples: Lycopodium, Selaginella, etc.
Sphenopsida
Following are some of the characteristics of Sphenopsida:
- They are commonly known as “horsetail”.
- They have nodes and internodes in their body.
- Leaves are microphyllous and grow in whorls.
- At the apex of the fertile branches, the sporangia forms compact cones.
- Example: Equisetum, etc.
Pteropsida
Following are some of the characteristics of Pteropsida:
- They are commonly called “ferns”.
- The body is divided into well-developed stems, roots, and leaves.
- The leaves are large i.e. megaphyllous.
- On the ventral surface of the sporophylls, the clumps of sporangia are formed which is called the sori.
- Example: Dryopteris, Pteridium, etc.
Pteridophyta – Definition, Characteristics, Classification, Uses
Pteridophyta is a division of the kingdom Plantae that consists of plants that dominated the planet before the evolutionary appearance of seed-producing plants. Pteridophytes lack both flower and seed and reproduce mainly with the help of spores. Pteridophytes are the first group of plants that have evolved to show the vascular system.
Contact Us