In the gametophytic phase, the sporophytic and gametophytic phases are separate. This characteristic is observed in pteridophytes, specifically in the ferns and their relatives. Let's discuss this in more detail:

1. Gametophytic Phase:
- The gametophytic phase is the phase in the life cycle of a plant where the gametes (reproductive cells) are produced.
- In pteridophytes, the gametophytic phase is independent and dominant. It is the prominent and recognizable form of the plant.
- The gametophyte is a small, usually photosynthetic plant that develops from a spore.
- It is haploid, meaning it has a single set of chromosomes.
- The gametophyte produces the male and female gametes through mitosis.

2. Sporophytic Phase:
- The sporophytic phase is the phase in the life cycle of a plant where spores are produced.
- In pteridophytes, the sporophytic phase is relatively large and long-lived, but it is less conspicuous compared to the gametophyte.
- The sporophyte develops from the fertilized egg (zygote) produced by the fusion of male and female gametes.
- It is diploid, meaning it has two sets of chromosomes.
- The sporophyte produces spores through meiosis.

3. Separation of Phases:
- In pteridophytes, the sporophytic and gametophytic phases are separate and distinct from each other.
- The gametophyte and sporophyte are physically independent and exist as separate entities.
- The gametophyte is nutritionally independent and self-sufficient, while the sporophyte is partially or completely dependent on the gametophyte for nutrition.
- The gametophyte produces male and female gametes, which fuse during fertilization to form the sporophyte.
- The sporophyte, in turn, produces spores, which develop into new gametophytes.

In summary, pteridophytes exhibit a distinct separation of the sporophytic and gametophytic phases in their life cycle. The gametophyte is the dominant and recognizable form, while the sporophyte is relatively large but less conspicuous. The gametophyte and sporophyte are independent and exist as separate entities, with the sporophyte depending on the gametophyte for nutrition.