Characteristics of Pteridophytes:

Pteridophytes are a group of vascular plants that reproduce and disperse through spores. They are considered to be intermediate between bryophytes (non-vascular plants) and gymnosperms (seed-producing plants). Here are the characteristics that make them intermediate between these two groups:

Vascular Tissue:
- Pteridophytes possess vascular tissues that help in the transportation of water, minerals, and nutrients throughout the plant. This vascular tissue system consists of xylem and phloem, which enable the plants to grow taller and transport resources efficiently. This feature is absent in bryophytes and present in gymnosperms, making pteridophytes intermediate.

Roots, Stems, and Leaves:
- Pteridophytes have true roots, stems, and leaves, which are well-developed compared to bryophytes. Roots help in anchoring the plant and absorbing water and nutrients from the soil. Stems provide support and transport resources, while leaves are responsible for photosynthesis. Bryophytes lack true roots, stems, and leaves, whereas gymnosperms have well-developed structures.

Spore Production:
- Pteridophytes reproduce by producing spores instead of seeds. These spores are produced in structures called sporangia, which are found on the underside of fern leaves or in cones in horsetails. Spores are dispersed by wind or water and germinate into gametophytes. Bryophytes also reproduce through spores, while gymnosperms produce seeds.

Alternation of Generations:
- Pteridophytes exhibit an alternation of generations life cycle, which means they have both a haploid gametophyte stage and a diploid sporophyte stage. The gametophyte is a small, independent phase that produces gametes (eggs and sperm) through mitosis. The sporophyte is the dominant phase and produces spores through meiosis. Both bryophytes and gymnosperms also have this alternation of generations.

Limited Seed Production:
- While pteridophytes reproduce through spores, they do not produce seeds like gymnosperms. Seeds are structures that contain an embryo and are protected by a seed coat. This is a major characteristic of gymnosperms that distinguishes them from pteridophytes. However, pteridophytes still have several similarities with gymnosperms, making them intermediate between bryophytes and gymnosperms.

In conclusion, pteridophytes share characteristics with both bryophytes and gymnosperms. They have vascular tissues, well-developed roots, stems, and leaves, reproduce through spores, exhibit alternation of generations, but lack seed production. These features place them in an intermediate position between bryophytes and gymnosperms in the plant kingdom.