Alternation of generations
Alternation of generations is a reproductive strategy seen in certain organisms, where they exhibit a life cycle that involves alternating between a haploid (n) gametophyte stage and a diploid (2n) sporophyte stage. This phenomenon is commonly observed in plants and some algae.

Pteridophyta: The ferns
Pteridophyta, also known as ferns, are a group of vascular plants that exhibit a conspicuous alternation of generations. In the fern life cycle, the sporophyte generation is more dominant and conspicuous than the gametophyte generation.

Sporophyte generation in ferns
The sporophyte generation in ferns is the diploid phase of the life cycle. It is the more familiar and recognizable phase that we typically associate with ferns. The sporophyte is a vascular plant that consists of roots, stems, and leaves. It is capable of photosynthesis and reproduces asexually through spores.

Spore production
The sporophyte of ferns produces specialized structures called sporangia, which are located on the undersides of the fern leaves or fronds. Within the sporangia, diploid cells undergo meiosis to produce haploid spores. These spores are then released into the environment.

Gametophyte generation in ferns
The spores released from the sporophyte germinate and develop into the gametophyte generation. The gametophyte is a small, independent, and photosynthetic plant that is haploid. It typically consists of a prothallus, which is a heart-shaped structure that contains both male and female reproductive organs.

Sexual reproduction
The gametophyte generation of ferns is responsible for sexual reproduction. The male gametophyte produces sperm cells in specialized structures called antheridia, while the female gametophyte produces egg cells in structures called archegonia. The sperm cells need water to reach the egg cells for fertilization to occur.

Conspicuousness of the sporophyte generation
The sporophyte generation is considered more conspicuous in ferns because it is the larger, more complex, and more long-lived stage of the life cycle. It is the stage that we typically recognize as a fern plant. In contrast, the gametophyte generation is much smaller, short-lived, and often inconspicuous, existing underground or on the undersides of leaves.

Therefore, the most conspicuous alternation of generations occurs in pteridophyta (ferns).