Bryophyte is an intermediate group between higher algae and

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which group bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) sit between, with higher algae on one side. It is about the evolutionary sequence of plant groups.

Step 2: Explain the concept Plants are often arranged in order of increasing complexity:

Algae (thallophytes) → Bryophytes → Pteridophytes → Spermatophytes (gymnosperms and angiosperms)

• Algae/Thallophytes: simple body (thallus), with no true roots, stems or leaves.
• Bryophytes: live on land but have no true vascular tissue (no xylem or phloem). They need water for fertilization.
• Pteridophytes: ferns and their relatives. They have true roots, stems, leaves and vascular tissue, but reproduce by spores.
• Spermatophytes: seed-bearing plants.

Step 3: Work through the options

• A. Thallophyte: this group includes algae, so it is the group on the lower side, not the one above bryophytes.
• B. Pteridophyte: this is the next group in the sequence. It is the first group with vascular tissue, so bryophytes fall between algae and pteridophytes.
• C. Spermatophyte: this is too advanced. Pteridophytes come before it.
• D. Tracheophyte: this is a broad term for all vascular plants, including pteridophytes and spermatophytes. It is not the specific group that follows bryophytes.

Step 4: Answer Bryophytes are an intermediate group between higher algae and pteridophytes, which is option B.

Exam tip: Remember the order with "Algae Bryophytes Pteridophytes Spermatophytes" (A, B, P, S). In JAMB, bryophytes are always tied to "no vascular tissue" and pteridophytes to "first vascular plants".