A sporophyte is the diploid phase in the life cycle of plants and some algae, which produces spores through a process called meiosis. It develops from the fertilization of gametes, leading to the formation of a zygote. The sporophyte is typically the dominant stage in vascular plants, such as ferns and conifers, and can vary in size and complexity. In the life cycle, the sporophyte produces spores that can grow into a haploid phase called the gametophyte. This alternation of generations is a key feature of the reproductive cycle in plants, allowing for genetic diversity and adaptation to different environments.