The gametophyte is the haploid stage of the pteridophyte life-cycle. It develops from the spore produced on the sporophyte. This spore germinates and develops into a body called the prothallus.
Pteridophytes are the first terrestrial vascular plants. Carolus Linnaeus classified them under the group cryptogamae. Pteridophytes occupy a transitional position between bryophytes and spermatophytes.
For Example, Silver fern, Equisetum, Selaginella
The general characteristics of Pteridophytes are:
They are seedless.
They are multicellular.
They reproduce through spores.
They are independent and free-living organisms.
They have a well-differentiated plant body into root, stem and leaves.