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:

The life cycle of pteridophytes alternates between a diploid sporophyte and a haploid gametophyte. The correct chronological order of the listed stages is:

1. Meiosis in spore mother cells (B)
The mature sporophyte produces sporangia in which diploid spore mother cells (sporocytes) undergo meiosis, yielding haploid spores.

2. Prothallus stage (A)
The released spores germinate to form a small, heart‑shaped gametophyte called the prothallus. This is the free‑living haploid stage.

3. Formation of archegonia and antheridia in gametophyte (D)
On the prothallus, the male organs (antheridia) and female organs (archegonia) develop, ready to produce gametes.

4. Transfer of antherozoids to the archegonia in presence of water (E)
Water facilitates the movement of motile male gametes (antherozoids) from the antheridia to the archegonia, where they can fuse with the egg cells.

5. Fertilisation (C)
Antherozoids fuse with the eggs within the archegonia, forming diploid zygotes that grow into a new sporophyte, completing the cycle.