Final answer:
Ferns have vascular tissue allowing for larger growth and reproduction through alternation of generations, with a distinct, free-living gametophyte that produces flagellated sperm. Ferns' sporophyte stage is dominant, with sporangia that disperse spores to continue the cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ferns have several features that bryophytes don't, one of the most significant being the development of vascular tissue. This allows ferns to grow larger and not be limited to moist environments for nutritional absorption, unlike bryophytes. Ferns reproduce through a process of alternation of generations, where they alternate between a sexual, haploid gametophyte stage and an asexual, diploid sporophyte stage.
The gametophyte of ferns is free-living and produces flagellated sperm in an organ called the antheridium. These sperm swim to the archegonia, another gametophyte structure, where the egg resides. After fertilization occurs in the archegonia, a new sporophyte grows independently, eventually producing sporangia under its fronds where new spores are generated, thus completing their life cycle.