Reproductive Biology of the Pteridophyta

Because of the homothallic nature of many pteridophytes, two categories of mating are possible: intragametophytic selling (the origin of both gametes from a single gametophyte) and inter-gametophytic mating (the origin of each gamete from a different gametophyte).Various morphological and genetical criteria (placement of the gametangia on the thallus, their sequence of ontogeny, the capacity for simple polyembryony and genetic self-incompatibility) can be used to indicate the relative probability of intragametophytic selfing or intergametophytic mating. Only the former has genetic significance (i.e.complete homozygosity); if the latter is evidenced, then detailed studies of population variability are required to ascertain the breeding system.
Three types of reproductive systems involve the gametophyte generation: intragametophytic selfing, intergametophytic mating and apogamy. Apogamy generally offers the shortest gametophyte generation and the least evolutionary potential, intergametophytic mating systems generally have the longest gametophyte generation and the greatest evolutionary potential, and intragametophytic mating systems are intermediate in both respectS. It is envisioned that the interaction between gametophyte ecology and evolutionary potential is important in the evolution of a taxon's reproductive system.