What is the evolutionary significance of Pteridophytes?

Step-by-step solution

The Pteridophytes include horsetails and ferns. Pteridophytes are used for medicinal purposes and as soil-binders. They are also frequently grown as ornamentals. Evolutionarily, they are the first terrestrial plants to possess vascular tissues – xylem and phloem. The pteridophytes are found in cool, damp, shady places though some may flourish well in sandy-soil conditions. In pteridophytes, the main plant body is a sporophyte which is differentiated into true root, stem and leaves (Figure 3.3). These organs possess