In pteridophytes: 1. The megaspores and microspores germinate and give rise to male and female gametophytes, respectively. 2. The female gametophytes in these plants are retained on the parent sporophytes for variable periods. 3. The development of the zygotes into young embryos take place within the female gametophytes. 4. The development of the zygotes into young embryos within the female gametophytes is a precursor event to the seed habit considered an important step in evolution.
