Male and female gametophytes do not have an independent free living existence in:-

Options

A. Pteridophytes
B. Algae
C. Angiosperms
D. Bryophytes

Answer

To solve the question "Male and female gametophytes do not have an independent free living existence in:", we will analyze different plant groups and their gametophyte stages.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Plant Groups**: The question mentions four groups: Pteridophytes, Algae, Angiosperms, and Bryophytes.

2. **Examine Algae**: Algae are simple, thaloid, and largely aquatic organisms. In algae, both male and female gametophytes can exist independently. Therefore, they have a free-living existence.

**Hint**: Remember that algae are primarily aquatic and have a simple structure.

3. **Examine Bryophytes**: Bryophytes, which include mosses and liverworts, are known as the amphibians of the plant kingdom. They require water for sexual reproduction, and their gametophytes are independent and free-living.

**Hint**: Bryophytes thrive in moist environments, which is crucial for their reproduction.

4. **Examine Pteridophytes**: Pteridophytes, such as ferns and horsetails, also have independent gametophytes. The gametophyte stage in this group is free-living and can sustain itself.

**Hint**: Pteridophytes are known for their complex life cycles that include both sporophyte and gametophyte stages.

5. **Examine Gymnosperms**: Gymnosperms (like conifers) have a different reproductive strategy. Their male and female gametophytes are not independent; they develop within the reproductive structures of the sporophyte.

**Hint**: Gymnosperms are characterized by "naked seeds" and rely on the sporophyte for gametophyte development.

6. **Examine Angiosperms**: Angiosperms, or flowering plants, also have dependent gametophytes. The male gametophyte (pollen) and female gametophyte (embryo sac) develop within the flowers and are not free-living.

**Hint**: Angiosperms are known for their flowers and fruits, which house the gametophytes.

7. **Conclusion**: From the analysis, we see that both Gymnosperms and Angiosperms have dependent gametophytes. The question asks for a group where gametophytes do not have an independent existence. Therefore, the correct answer is **Angiosperms**.

### Final Answer:
**Angiosperms** (option 4) is the plant group where male and female gametophytes do not have an independent free-living existence.