Read the following statements w.r.t. pteridophytes (a) they are soil binders (b) first terrestrial plants (c) first tracheophytes (d) dominant phase is differentiated into true stem, leaves and roots (e) sporophyte is an independent plant choose the correct answer.

Options

A. a, b, c & d
B. all except d
C. all except b
D. b, c, d & e

Answer

To solve the question regarding the statements about pteridophytes, let's analyze each statement step by step.

### Step 1: Analyze Statement A
**Statement A:** Pteridophytes are soil binders.
- Pteridophytes, such as ferns, have extensive root systems that help anchor them in the soil. This root structure prevents soil erosion and binds the soil together effectively.
**Conclusion:** This statement is **true**.

### Step 2: Analyze Statement B
**Statement B:** Pteridophytes are the first terrestrial plants.
- Pteridophytes are indeed among the first vascular plants to colonize land. They reproduce via spores and have well-differentiated structures (roots, stems, and leaves), which are characteristics of terrestrial plants.
**Conclusion:** This statement is **true**.

### Step 3: Analyze Statement C
**Statement C:** Pteridophytes are the first tracheophytes.
- Tracheophytes are vascular plants that possess xylem and phloem. Pteridophytes fit this definition as they are vascular and were among the earliest plants to develop these systems.
**Conclusion:** This statement is **true**.

### Step 4: Analyze Statement D
**Statement D:** The dominant phase is differentiated into true stem, leaves, and roots.
- In pteridophytes, the sporophyte generation is the dominant phase and is characterized by true stems, leaves, and roots. This differentiation is a key feature of their structure.
**Conclusion:** This statement is **true**.

### Step 5: Analyze Statement E
**Statement E:** The sporophyte is an independent plant.
- The sporophyte generation in pteridophytes is dependent on the gametophyte for nutrition during its early stages. The gametophyte is the independent phase that supports the sporophyte.
**Conclusion:** This statement is **false**.

### Final Answer
The correct statements regarding pteridophytes are A, B, C, and D. Therefore, the correct answer is that statements A, B, C, and D are true, while E is false.

---