Some authorities give divisional status to these classes. The bryophytes produce to distinct generations.
Haploid plants produce gametes.
The gametes from two plants fuse forming a zygote. The zygote develops into a diploid plant. Meiosis occurs in the diploid plant, and the resulting spores produce haploid plants. One cycle of the alternation of generations is thus completed. Typically, the members of this class grow in damp, shady places.