Given below are the stages in the life cycle of pteridophytes. Arrange the following stages in the correct sequence.

A. Prothallus stage

B. Meiosis in spore mother cells

C. Fertilisation

D. Formation of archegonia and antheridia in gametophyte.

E. Transfer of antherozoids to the archegonia in presence of water.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

To find the correct sequence of stages in the life cycle of pteridophytes, let us understand each of the given stages and how they occur chronologically:

1. B. Meiosis in spore mother cells: The dominant phase in pteridophytes is the sporophyte (diploid). The sporophyte bears sporangia, inside which diploid spore mother cells undergo meiosis to produce haploid spores. This is the starting point among the options provided.
2. A. Prothallus stage: The haploid spores germinate under favorable conditions to form a multicellular, free-living, inconspicuous, and photosynthetic haploid gametophyte called the prothallus.
3. D. Formation of archegonia and antheridia in gametophyte: The multicellular gametophyte (prothallus) develops sex organs: the male sex organs are called antheridia, and the female sex organs are called archegonia.
4. E. Transfer of antherozoids to the archegonia in presence of water: The antheridia release male gametes called antherozoids. Water is essential for their transfer as they swim to reach the mouth of the archegonia.
5. C. Fertilisation: Once an antherozoid enters the archegonium, it fuses with the egg cell (female gamete) to complete the fertilisation process, resulting in the formation of a diploid zygote, which later develops into a new sporophyte.

Therefore, the correct sequence of these stages is B, A, D, E, C.