Difference between Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms




Pteridophytes vs Gymnosperms

Pteridophytes

Pteridophytes are a group of primitive land plants belongs to Cryptogams. They are the first plant group with vascular tissue for the conduction of water and food materials and hence they are called as Vascular Cryptogams.

Gymnosperms

Gymnosperms are a group of primitive seed-producing plants of Spermatophytes (Phanerogams). They are ‘Naked-Seed’ Plants characterized by naked ovules (i.e., ovule without the ovary). The ovules of Gymnosperms are borne directly on the surface of the megasporophyl. Since ovary is absent, Gymnosperms do not produce fruits.



Pteridophytes occupy the intermediate position between Bryophytes and Gymnosperms (seed plants). Gymnosperms were believed to be originated from the Pteridophytes in the Devonian period (419 to 359 million years ago) of Paleozoic Era. Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms share many characteristics. In the previous posts, we discussed the General Characters of Bryophytes Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. In this post, we will discuss the Similarities and Differences between Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms with Comparison Table.

Learn more: Bryophytes General Characteristics

Learn more: Pteridophytes General Characteristics

Learn more: Gymnosperms General Characteristics



Learn More: Geological Time Scale

Similarities between Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms

Ø  Both Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms show alternation of generation with dominant sporophytic generation.

Ø  In both groups, the sporophyte is differentiated into roots, stem and leaves.

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Ø  The leaves of some gymnosperms (Eg. Cycas) and ferns show circinate vernation (=young leaves coiled inward).



Circinate vernation Definition

Circinate Vernation In Pteridophyte Leaves

Ø  Dichotomous venation in ferns and in some Gymnosperms (Ginkgo).

Ø  The xylem is devoid of vessels in both the groups.

Ø  The phloem is devoid of companion cells.

Ø  Secondary thickening present in fossil Pteridophytes and all Gymnosperms.

Ø  The sporangia in both the groups are formed on specialized leaves called Sporophylls.



Ø  All Gymnosperms and many Pteridophytes show heterospory.

Ø  In some gymnosperms such as Cycas, and in some Pteridophytes the sporangia occur in groups called sorus.

Ø  In heterosporous Pteridophytes and in all Gymnosperms, the gametophyte development is endosporic (inside the spore wall).

Difference between Pteridophytes and GymnospermsØ  In Pteridophytes and in some Gymnosperms (Eg. Cycas, Ginkgo), male gametes are flagellated and motile.

Ø  Megaspores are retained in the megasporangium in Gymnosperms and in some Pteridophytes.




Ø  Archegonium is the female sex organ in both the groups.

Ø  Development of distinct embryo after the fertilization in both groups.

Ø  Embryo formation is endoscopic in many Pteridophytes and all Gymnosperms.

Ø  Suspensor formation is present in some Pteridophytes and all Gymnosperms.

Ø  Several primitive Gymnosperms such as members of Pteridospermales resemble Pteridophytes in their morphology, anatomy and reproduction.




Ø  Cycadofilicales (fossil) were considered as ferns for a long time and are still called as ‘seed-ferns’.

FossilFernLeavesPennsylvanianOhio

A fossil specimen of Pteridospermale (a gymnosperm) 

Difference between Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms

Sl. No.PteridophytesGymnosperms
1Pteridophytes are mostly herbs or shrubs.Majority of Gymnosperms are trees.
2Gametophyte and sporophyte are two separate plants (two independent plants)Gametophyte is completely dependent on sporophyte and they are physically connected.
3Pteridophytes grow in mesophytic conditions.Majority of Gymnosperms grow in or show xerophytic conditions.
4Stem is underground in most of the Pteridophytes.Stem is aerial in Gymnosperms.
5Root system is adventitious type.Tap root system present.
6Stele is not eustelic.All gymnosperms are eustelic.
7Secondary growth usually absent.Secondary growth present.
8Majority of Pteridophytes are homosporous, few are heterosporous.All Gymnosperms are heterosporous.
9Ovules are not producedOvules present
10The megasporangium is without integument.The megasporangium of Gymnosperms (Ovule) is protected by integument.
11No pollen tube formation.Pollen tube is formed.
12Fertilization is not siphonogametic.Fertilization is siphonogametic.
13Archegonia with neck canal cells.Archegonia without neck canals cells
14Embryo formation is not elaborate, primitive embryo is produced.Embryo formation is elaborate and the embryo is comparatively advanced.
15Seeds are not producedTypical seeds are produced

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