Common between bryophytes and pteridophytes is

Options

A. Absence of sporophyte
B. Gametophyte dependent on sporophyte
C. Sporophyte dependent on gametophyte
D. Multicellular sex organs with sterile jacket.

Answer

To determine the common characteristic between bryophytes and pteridophytes, we can analyze the options provided:

1. **Absence of sporophyte**: This option is incorrect because both bryophytes and pteridophytes have a sporophyte generation. In bryophytes, the sporophyte is dependent on the gametophyte, while in pteridophytes, the sporophyte is the dominant generation.

2. **Gametophyte dependent on sporophyte**: This option is also incorrect. In bryophytes, the gametophyte is the dominant phase and is independent, while in pteridophytes, the sporophyte is dominant and the gametophyte is reduced and dependent.

3. **Sporophyte dependent on gametophyte**: This is true for bryophytes but not for pteridophytes, where the sporophyte is independent and dominant. Therefore, this option is not common to both groups.

4. **Multicellular sex organs with sterile jacket**: This is the correct option. Both bryophytes and pteridophytes possess multicellular sex organs (antheridia and archegonia) that are surrounded by a sterile jacket layer. This feature is a significant characteristic that they share, distinguishing them from lower plant groups like thallophytes.

Thus, the common characteristic between bryophytes and pteridophytes is the presence of multicellular sex organs with a sterile jacket.

### Step-by-Step Solution:
1. **Analyze the options**: Look at each option provided in the question.
2. **Evaluate the presence of sporophyte**: Confirm that both bryophytes and pteridophytes have a sporophyte.
3. **Check the dependency of gametophyte and sporophyte**: Understand the relationship between gametophyte and sporophyte in both groups.
4. **Identify the common feature**: Recognize that multicellular sex organs with a sterile jacket are present in both bryophytes and pteridophytes.