Pteridophyta is a group of vascular plants that reproduce via spores instead of seeds. This group includes ferns, horsetails, and clubmosses. They are characterized by their leafy structures called fronds and typically thrive in moist environments. Pteridophytes have a complex life cycle that includes both a sporophyte and a gametophyte stage. The sporophyte is the dominant form, producing spores in structures called sporangia. These spores develop into small, heart-shaped gametophytes, which produce gametes for reproduction.