What type of plant reproduces using spores instead of seeds?

Plants that reproduce using spores are classified as non-seed plants, and both mosses and ferns fall into this category. However, ferns are particularly notable for their more complex structure and life cycle compared to mosses. Ferns are vascular plants, meaning they possess specialized tissues for transporting water and nutrients, which enables them to grow larger and inhabit a wider range of environments.

Ferns reproduce through spores produced in structures called sporangia, found on the underside of their fronds. These spores can grow into gametophytes, which then produce gametes for sexual reproduction. This life cycle—alternation of generations—is a key characteristic of ferns.

In contrast, mosses are simpler and lack vascular tissues, and while they also reproduce via spores, the question specifies a particular type of plant. Therefore, selecting ferns underscores the recognition of a more advanced group within the spore-producing plants.

Angiosperms and gymnosperms do not produce spores; instead, they reproduce via seeds, which is a more advanced reproductive strategy. This distinction highlights why ferns, as a representative of spore-reproducing plants, are the correct choice in this context.