Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Polypodiopsida (Leptosporangiate Ferns)

Polypodiopsida is the largest group of living ferns with some 11,000 species worldwide. Their large fronds make these ferns the most readily recognizable seedless vascular plants. Ferns live in environments ranging from the tropics to temperate forests. Although some species species survive in dry environments, most ferns are restricted to moist, shaded places. Almost a third of leptosporangiate fern species are epiphytes. The dominant stage of the fern's life cycle is the sporophyte which consists of large compound leaves called fronds. The fronds serve a dual role in that they are photosynthetic organs that also carry reproductive organs. On the underside of mature fronds sori form as small clusters. Spores are produced inside the sori and are then released into the air.