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archegonium. Like the moss sporophyte, the fern sporophyte is initially dependent on

the gametophyte (the prothallus) for its nutrition. However, unlike the moss sporophyte,

which never becomes photosynthetic and therefore independent, the fern sporophyte

soon outgrows the shorter- lived prothallus and forms roots, stems, and leaves. At matu-

rity, the fern sporophyte produces sporangia on the undersides of its leaves, and the cycle

repeats itself.

Figure 18.1 Diagram of life cycle of mosses illustrating the alternation of generations.