Ferns

are non-seed vascular plants with macrophyllous leaves and exhibit the alternation of generations with free-living microscopic gametophytes and macroscopic sporophytes. They reproduce by spores formed in sporangia on the lower surface of the fertile leaves.

In this virtual lab, you will be introduced with the basic structure of a fern and a few taxonomic features that are useful for identification and classification, followed by two short exercises in which you can apply your knowledge about ferns.

Let’s start to explore ferns!