Lycophyta is a division of vascular plants that includes clubmosses, spikemosses, and quillworts. These plants are characterized by their small, scale-like leaves and their ability to reproduce via spores rather than seeds. They are among the oldest groups of vascular plants, with a history dating back over 400 million years. Lycophytes thrive in various habitats, from moist forests to rocky terrains. They play a crucial role in ecosystems by contributing to soil formation and providing habitat for various organisms. Their unique reproductive structures, called strobili, produce spores that help in their propagation and survival in diverse environments.