Which of the following is a correct statement ?

Options

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

Answer

To determine which of the statements provided is correct, let's analyze each option step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Evaluate the First Statement:**
- **Statement:** "Pteridophyte gametophyte has a protonimal and leafy stage."
- **Analysis:** In pteridophytes, the gametophyte is not filamentous and does not have a protonema (which is characteristic of mosses). Instead, it has a heart-shaped thallus. Therefore, this statement is **incorrect**.

2. **Evaluate the Second Statement:**
- **Statement:** "In gymnosperms, female gametophyte is free living."
- **Analysis:** In gymnosperms, both the male and female gametophytes are not free-living; they are dependent on the sporophyte and remain within the sporangium. Thus, this statement is also **incorrect**.

3. **Evaluate the Third Statement:**
- **Statement:** "Antheridiophores and archegoniophores are present in the pteridophytes."
- **Analysis:** Antheridiophores and archegoniophores are structures found in bryophytes, not pteridophytes. In pteridophytes, the terms used are antheridia and archegonia. Therefore, this statement is **incorrect**.

4. **Evaluate the Fourth Statement:**
- **Statement:** "Origin of seed habitat can be traced in pteridophytes."
- **Analysis:** Pteridophytes exhibit heterospory, which involves the production of two types of spores: megaspores and microspores. This characteristic is significant in the evolution of seed plants, marking the origin of seed habitat. Thus, this statement is **correct**.

### Conclusion:
The correct statement is **option 4: "Origin of seed habitat can be traced in pteridophytes."**

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