Pteridophyta is a group of non-seed forming, vascular cryptogams, i.e., these contain vascular tissues for the conduction of minerals and water but do not produce seeds.
The main plant body of these plants is diploid called sporophyte which produces spores after meiosis. These spores on germination give rise to gametophytic plant which produces gametes. Fusion between male and female gametes produces a diploid zygote which produces diploid sporophytic stage.
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.