Pterophytes,
ferns, are the most well-known and diverse group of spore-producing
vascular plants. Most live in tropical forests and have leaves that vary
from 1 cm to 500 cm. Ferns were abundant in the carboniferous forests that
lead to the formation of fossil fuels, such as coal, petroleum and natural
gas. Their importance cannot be overestimated. Without the fossil fuel
resources, our world would be much different today.
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