Horsetails and ferns

Options

A. Lack archegonia
B. Possess vascular tissues in main plant body
C. Show diplontic type of life cycle
D. Do not produce motile male gametes

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Plant Group**: The question mentions horsetails and ferns, which are classified under pteridophytes. Pteridophytes are vascular plants that reproduce via spores and do not produce seeds.

2. **Characteristics of Pteridophytes**:
- **Vascular Tissue**: Pteridophytes possess vascular tissues, specifically xylem and phloem. Xylem is responsible for the transport of water and minerals, while phloem transports food.
- **Gametophyte Structure**: The gametophyte stage in pteridophytes is known as the prothallus. This structure bears the male and female reproductive organs.
- **Sex Organs**: The male sex organ is called antheridia, which produces motile male gametes (sperm). The female sex organ is called archegonia, which produces the female gamete (egg).

3. **Life Cycle**: Pteridophytes exhibit a haplodeplontic life cycle, which means they have both a haploid (gametophyte) and a diploid (sporophyte) phase. This is different from the diplontic life cycle seen in gymnosperms and angiosperms.

4. **Fertilization Process**: The motile male gametes produced in the antheridia swim through water to reach the archegonia, where fertilization occurs, leading to the formation of a zygote.

5. **Correct Statement**: Based on the characteristics and life cycle of pteridophytes, the correct statement regarding horsetails and ferns is that they possess vascular tissue in the main plant body and have a haplodeplontic life cycle.