Final answer:
The statement is False; ferns need liquid water for the flagellated sperm to swim to the egg during the reproduction process. Ferns are abundant in moist environments due to their reproductive needs and are limited in drier conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that ferns are not dependent on liquid water for reproduction is False. Ferns do require water for reproduction, particularly for the sperm to swim to the egg during fertilization. These seedless vascular plants, which include ferns, favor a moist environment for their reproductive cycle to be successful. Throughout plant evolution, the progressive increase in the dominance of the sporophyte generation is notable. In the case of ferns, the diploid sporophyte is the primarily noticeable phase.
However, for fertilization to occur in ferns, flagellated sperm must swim through a layer of moisture to reach the egg. This necessity explains why ferns thrive in damp environments, and why their presence is limited in dry conditions. The large fronds of ferns have been adapted to life in environments that range from the tropics to temperate forests, with most species flourishing best in moist and shaded areas.