Pteridophytes

Pteridophytes are a group of vascular plants, or plants with a system of tubes that transport water and nutrients. They are the oldest living group of land plants, having existed since the middle of the Paleozoic Era around 400 million years ago. Pteridophytes are highly diverse, with more than 12,000 species found in habitats ranging from tropical rainforests to alpine meadows to deserts. Pteridophytes are very important ecologically, as they provide shelter and food for many animals, as well as support and stabilize soil. They are also an important part of the global carbon cycle, as they store and release large amounts of carbon dioxide and oxygen. Pteridophytes are used for a wide variety of purposes in horticulture, medicine, and the food industry. They are also used to make paper, fabric, and other useful products.