Ferns

What characteristics unify ferns?

Ferns thrive in wet and seasonally wet environments like tropical rainforests. Ferns have specialized tissues called vascular tissues. These tissues transport water and products of photosynthesis throughout the plant. Ferns have true roots, stems called rhizomes, and large leaves called fronds.

Spores are produced in the Sporangia. When the spores are ripe, they are released. 

The diploid Sporophyte is the dominant obvious stage. The haploid Gametophyte is tiny and only lives for a short time.

What features do ferns have that have enabled adaptation to a land environment? 

Ferns have true roots and vascular tissue that allows water to move farther through the plant. They don't depend on absorption of water held in the plant.  In ferns the vascular system is well developed, enabling it to live in drier conditions. Fern fronds leaves are a modification for more efficient photosynthesis