Pteridophytes are 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 and complex life cycles, which involve both a sporophyte and a gametophyte stage. Pteridophytes thrive in various environments, often found in moist, shaded areas. These plants play a significant role in ecosystems by contributing to soil formation and providing habitat for various organisms. Pteridophytes are also important in studies of plant evolution, as they are among the oldest land plants, dating back over 400 million years, making them a key focus in the study of botany and paleobotany.