Which one of the following is a non- vascular embryophyte ?

Options

A. Gymnospermae
B. Bryophyta
C. Pteridophyta
D. All the above

Answer

To determine which of the following is a non-vascular embryophyte, let's analyze each option step by step.

### Step 1: Understand the term "embryophyte"
Embryophytes are complex, multicellular eukaryotes that have specialized reproductive organs. They nurture the young embryo sporophyte during its early stages of development.

**Hint:** Look for the characteristics that define embryophytes, particularly their reproductive structures and embryo nurturing.

### Step 2: Analyze the options
1. **Gymnosperms**: These are vascular plants, meaning they possess xylem and phloem, which are essential for the transport of water and nutrients. Examples include Cycas and Pinus.

**Hint:** Recall that vascular plants have specialized tissues for transport.

2. **Bryophyta**: This group includes non-vascular plants, which do not have xylem and phloem. They are typically small and rely on diffusion for the movement of water and nutrients.

**Hint:** Identify the group that lacks vascular tissues.

3. **Pteridophyta**: These are also vascular plants, known as the oldest vascular plants. They possess xylem and phloem for nutrient and water transport.

**Hint:** Remember that pteridophytes are characterized by their vascular tissues.

4. **All of the above**: This option suggests that all the previous groups are non-vascular, which is incorrect since both gymnosperms and pteridophytes are vascular.

**Hint:** Consider whether all listed groups share the same vascular characteristics.

### Step 3: Conclusion
After analyzing the options, we find that:
- Gymnosperms and Pteridophyta are vascular plants.
- Bryophyta is the only non-vascular embryophyte.

Thus, the correct answer is **Bryophyta**.

**Final Answer:** Bryophyta is a non-vascular embryophyte.