Question

Why pteridophytes are called botanical snakes?

Answer 1

Pteridophytes:

1. These are vascular plants that disperse spores.
2. They are also referred to as cryptogams which means that their reproductive parts are hidden.
3. Characteristics of pteridophytes are:

1. They do not bear seeds.
2. They are multicellular plants.
3. They propagate through spores.
4. They are free-living plants.
5. Body differentiation is root, stem and leaves.

Pteridophytes are also termed botanical snakes because;

1. Snakes were among the first terrestrial organisms to have lived on the land.
2. Similarly, pteridophytes are also said to be the first plants to have adapted to live on land entirely.
3. They evolved from bryophytes which require water for reproduction.
4. Since pteridophytes were the first terrestrial plants just like snakes were the first terrestrial animals, they are sometimes referred to as ‘botanical snakes’.