Root Structure

• Both fern and angiosperms anchor themselves to the ground with the help of their root systems. Root systems in both types of plants are essentially the same. Both can spread out and have phloem and xylem to gather and transport minerals and water. Fern roots, however, are different from angiosperm roots in structure by the amount of fibrous cells found in their roots. Angiosperm stems and roots have denser masses of fibrous cells, which makes them woody. Though fern plants have these same fibrous cells, angiosperms' roots are much woodier and the fibers are more densely packed.
  
  

Stems and Rhizomes

• Stems are the part of angiosperms and other plants that hold the bulk of weight, providing strength and transportation of minerals and water to all parts of the plant. Ferns, however, have what are called rhizomes, and they are comparable to an angiosperm's stem. Both the fronds and the roots grow out of the rhizomes, and in some ferns the rhizomes are completely underground. On most ferns, the roots do not branch, resulting in roots that look like threads growing from the rhizomes.
  
  

Reproduction

• Both angiosperms and ferns have a very similar life cycle, though they differ in structure at certain stages. One of the main differences between the two is that the fern's gametophyte stage is free living, whereas the angiosperm's resides in the seed or fruit. There are advantages and disadvantages to each method. Fern's gametophytes form from spores; thousands of them are released into the air. Though many do not survive, this ensures that the few that find the right conditions can grow and thrive. Angiosperm seeds, on the other hand, can survive easier because they are protected by a fruit or nut. Animals eat these fruits and nuts, which helps spread the seeds. Like a fern spore, many die while just a few find the right conditions to grow and thrive.
  
  

Leaves

• Modern ferns and angiosperms are similar in having megaphylls, true leaves with large main veins that have a network of small veins branching from them. More primitive ferns do not have these true leaves, making them different from angiosperms. The more primitive ferns also do not have a vascular system (phloem and xylem) in their rhizomes or roots.