Bryophytes are small, green, leafy or flat-bodied plants that generally grow in damp, shaded areas. They have a life cycle that alternates between a photosynthetic gametophyte generation and a sporophyte generation. The gametophyte generation is the dominant phase and lacks true roots, stems, and leaves. It reproduces sexually through structures called antheridia and archegonia that produce sperm and eggs. Fertilization results in a diploid zygote that develops into the sporophyte generation, which is dependent on the gametophyte. The sporophyte produces spores through meiosis in structures called sporangia.