Which one of the following is a correct statement

Options

A. In gymnosperms female gametophyte is free-living
B. Anteridiophores and archegoniophores are present in pteridophytes
C. Origin of seed habit can be traced in pteridophytes
D. Pteridophyte gametophyte has a protonemal and leafy stage.

Answer

To determine which statement is correct regarding the plant kingdom, we will analyze each of the provided options step by step.

### Step 1: Analyze the First Option
- **Statement**: In gymnosperm, female gametophyte is free living.
- **Analysis**: This statement is incorrect. In gymnosperms, the female gametophyte is not free-living; it is dependent on the sporophyte for nourishment and support. Therefore, this option is wrong.

**Hint**: Remember that in gymnosperms, the female gametophyte develops within the ovule and relies on the sporophyte.

### Step 2: Analyze the Second Option
- **Statement**: Enteridiophores and Archegoniophores are present in the Pteridophyte.
- **Analysis**: This statement is also incorrect. Enteridiophores and Archegoniophores are structures found in bryophytes, not pteridophytes. They are stalk-like structures that support the reproductive organs. Hence, this option is wrong.

**Hint**: Recall that Enteridiophores and Archegoniophores are characteristic of bryophytes, not pteridophytes.

### Step 3: Analyze the Third Option
- **Statement**: The origin of seed habit can be traced in Pteridophyte.
- **Analysis**: This statement is correct. Pteridophytes can be either homosporous or heterosporous. In heterosporous pteridophytes, there are two types of spores: megaspores and microspores. The megaspores develop into female gametophytes, while microspores develop into male gametophytes. The fusion of these gametes leads to the formation of a zygote, which eventually develops into an embryo, indicating a precursor to seed formation. Thus, this option is correct.

**Hint**: Understand the process of gametophyte development in heterosporous pteridophytes and its significance in the evolution of seed habit.

### Step 4: Analyze the Fourth Option
- **Statement**: Pteridophyte gametophyte has a protonemal and a leafy stage.
- **Analysis**: This statement is incorrect. The protonemal stage is characteristic of bryophytes, not pteridophytes. Pteridophyte gametophytes do not have a protonemal stage; instead, they typically develop directly into a leafy structure. Therefore, this option is wrong.

**Hint**: Differentiate between the developmental stages of bryophytes and pteridophytes to avoid confusion.

### Conclusion
After analyzing all the options, the correct statement is:
- **Third Option**: The origin of seed habit can be traced in Pteridophyte.