Question:
Sphenopsida class belongs to ____________.
Sphenopsida class belongs to ____________.
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To remember the four major classes of Pteridophytes, memorize the mnemonic phrase:
"Please Let Sister Pray" - Psilopsida
- Lycopsida
- Sphenopsida (*Equisetum* / Horsetail)
- Pteropsida (Ferns)
Updated On: Jun 21, 2026
- pteridophytes
- bryophytes
- angiosperms
- gymnosperms
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
In the kingdom Plantae, plants are classified into various divisions based on evolutionary patterns, morphological structural differentiation, and vascular architecture. The division Pteridophyta includes horsetails and ferns. Pteridophytes are the first terrestrial plants to possess vascular tissues, namely xylem and phloem. According to standard botanical classification systems, the division Pteridophyta is broadly divided into four distinct main classes.
Step 1: Detailing the classes of Pteridophytes.
To trace where Sphenopsida stands, let us look at the comprehensive classification of the division Pteridophyta:
• Psilopsida: The most primitive living vascular plants, characterized by a protostelic rhizome and lack of true roots or well-developed leaves (e.g., Psilotum).
• Lycopsida: Commonly referred to as club mosses, featuring microphyllous leaves and distinct strobili or cones (e.g., Selaginella, Lycopodium).
• Sphenopsida: Popularly known as horsetails. They are characterized by articulated, jointed stems showing distinct nodes and internodes, with a whorl of microphyllous leaves at each node. Their cell walls are typically impregnated with silica, giving them a rough texture (e.g., Equisetum).
• Pteropsida: The largest group, containing the true ferns, which possess megaphyllous leaves called fronds (e.g., Dryopteris, Pteris, Adiantum).
This directly demonstrates that the class Sphenopsida falls explicitly under the division Pteridophytes.
Step 2: Checking alternative options for clarity.
Let us quickly verify why the other plant groups are excluded from this class name:
• (2) Bryophytes: Bryophytes are non-vascular plants (amphibians of the plant kingdom) divided into Hepaticopsida (liverworts), Anthocerotopsida (hornworts), and Bryopsida (true mosses).
• (3) Angiosperms: These are flowering vascular plants whose seeds are enclosed inside fruits. They are divided into Monocotyledonae and Dicotyledonae.
• (4) Gymnosperms: These are naked-seeded vascular plants, classified into groups such as Cycadopsida, Coniferopsida, and Gnetopsida.
Hence, Sphenopsida belongs cleanly to pteridophytes.
Step 1: Detailing the classes of Pteridophytes.
To trace where Sphenopsida stands, let us look at the comprehensive classification of the division Pteridophyta:
• Psilopsida: The most primitive living vascular plants, characterized by a protostelic rhizome and lack of true roots or well-developed leaves (e.g., Psilotum).
• Lycopsida: Commonly referred to as club mosses, featuring microphyllous leaves and distinct strobili or cones (e.g., Selaginella, Lycopodium).
• Sphenopsida: Popularly known as horsetails. They are characterized by articulated, jointed stems showing distinct nodes and internodes, with a whorl of microphyllous leaves at each node. Their cell walls are typically impregnated with silica, giving them a rough texture (e.g., Equisetum).
• Pteropsida: The largest group, containing the true ferns, which possess megaphyllous leaves called fronds (e.g., Dryopteris, Pteris, Adiantum).
This directly demonstrates that the class Sphenopsida falls explicitly under the division Pteridophytes.
Step 2: Checking alternative options for clarity.
Let us quickly verify why the other plant groups are excluded from this class name:
• (2) Bryophytes: Bryophytes are non-vascular plants (amphibians of the plant kingdom) divided into Hepaticopsida (liverworts), Anthocerotopsida (hornworts), and Bryopsida (true mosses).
• (3) Angiosperms: These are flowering vascular plants whose seeds are enclosed inside fruits. They are divided into Monocotyledonae and Dicotyledonae.
• (4) Gymnosperms: These are naked-seeded vascular plants, classified into groups such as Cycadopsida, Coniferopsida, and Gnetopsida.
Hence, Sphenopsida belongs cleanly to pteridophytes.
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