Bryophyta acts as connecting link between

Options

A. Thallophyta and Pteridophyta
B. Algae and Fungi
C. Pteridophyta and Gymnosperms
D. terrestrial fungi and aquatic fungi

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Bryophyta**: Bryophyta, commonly known as mosses and liverworts, are non-vascular plants that are often referred to as the "amphibians of the plant kingdom" because they require water for reproduction.

2. **Identifying the Characteristics**: Bryophytes have a more differentiated body structure compared to algae (Thallophyta). While algae have a simple thalloid structure, bryophytes possess structures that resemble roots, stems, and leaves, although they lack true vascular tissues.

3. **Connecting Link**: Bryophyta serves as a connecting link between Thallophyta (which includes algae) and Pteridophyta (ferns and their relatives). This is due to their intermediate characteristics: they are more complex than algae but less complex than pteridophytes.

4. **Exclusion of Other Options**:
- Algae and Fungi: This option is incorrect as fungi are heterotrophic and do not share a direct evolutionary link with algae.
- Pteridophyta and Gymnosperms: This option is also incorrect as gymnosperms are seed-bearing plants that evolved after pteridophytes.
- Terrestrial Fungi and Aquatic Fungi: This option is irrelevant to the context of plant evolution.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer is that Bryophyta acts as a connecting link between Thallophyta and Pteridophyta.

**Final Answer**: Bryophyta acts as a connecting link between Thallophyta and Pteridophyta.

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