Answer:
Ferns have an intermediate stage, called a gametophyte, which then grows into a mature fern. There are two distinct stages in the life cycle of ferns. The first stage is that of the gametophyte. Spores are produced on the underside of mature plants.
Both the gametophyte and the sporophyte of the fern photosynthesize and are thus autotrophic; the shift to a dominant sporophyte generation is taking place.
Step-by-step explanation: