Which one of the follwing is a correct statement

Options

A. In 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 the correct statement among the given options regarding the plant kingdom, we will analyze each statement step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Analyze the First Statement:**
- The first statement claims that in pteridophytes, the gametophyte has a protonimal and leafy stage.
- **Evaluation:** This statement is incorrect. In pteridophytes (like ferns), the gametophyte is called the prothallus, which does not have a protonimal stage. The protonimal and leafy stages are characteristics of bryophytes, specifically mosses.

2. **Analyze the Second Statement:**
- The second statement states that in gymnosperms, the female gametophyte is free-living.
- **Evaluation:** This statement is also incorrect. In gymnosperms, both male and female gametophytes are not free-living; they are dependent on the sporophyte for their development.

3. **Analyze the Third Statement:**
- The third statement mentions that antheridiophores and archegoniophores are present in pteridophytes.
- **Evaluation:** This statement is incorrect. Antheridiophores and archegoniophores are structures found in bryophytes (like Marchantia), not in pteridophytes. Pteridophytes have antheridia and archegonia but do not have these specific structures.

4. **Analyze the Fourth Statement:**
- The fourth statement claims that the origin of seed habit can be traced in pteridophytes.
- **Evaluation:** This statement is correct. Pteridophytes exhibit a precursor to seed habit, particularly through their heterosporous species, which produce both megaspores and microspores. The retention of the female gametophyte on the sporophyte is an important evolutionary step towards seed development.

### Conclusion:
Based on the evaluations, the correct statement is the **fourth statement**: "Origin of seed habit can be traced in Pteridophytes."

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