Consider the following statements
1. In pteridophytes, the phloem lacks companion cells. 2. The xylem lacks vessels in majority of pteridophytes. 3. Heterosporous pteridophytes have monoecious gametophytes. 4. Water is essential for fertilization in pteridophytes.
Which of these statements are correct?

Options

A. 1,2,3 and 4
B. 2,3 and 4
C. 1 and 3
D. 1,2 and 4

Answer

To determine which statements about pteridophytes are correct, let's analyze each statement one by one.

### Step 1: Analyze Statement 1
**Statement:** In pteridophytes, the phloem lacks companion cells.
**Analysis:** This statement is **true**. In pteridophytes, the phloem does not contain companion cells, which are typically found in angiosperms.

### Step 2: Analyze Statement 2
**Statement:** The xylem lacks vessels in the majority of pteridophytes.
**Analysis:** This statement is also **true**. Most pteridophytes do not have vessels in their xylem; instead, they primarily have tracheids. However, there are exceptions, such as Selaginella and some gymnosperms like Gnetum that do possess vessels.

### Step 3: Analyze Statement 3
**Statement:** Heterosporous pteridophytes have monoecious gametophytes.
**Analysis:** This statement is **false**. Heterosporous pteridophytes produce two types of spores (microspores and megaspores) and typically have dioecious gametophytes, meaning that male and female gametophytes are produced on separate individuals.

### Step 4: Analyze Statement 4
**Statement:** Water is essential for fertilization in pteridophytes.
**Analysis:** This statement is **true**. In pteridophytes, water is necessary for the motile sperm to swim to the non-motile egg for fertilization.

### Conclusion
Based on the analysis:
- Statement 1: True
- Statement 2: True
- Statement 3: False
- Statement 4: True

Thus, the correct statements are 1, 2, and 4.

### Final Answer
The correct statements are 1, 2, and 4.

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