Why do Bryophytes and ferns both require water for fertilization?

Explanation

Bryophytes (such as mosses) and ferns share a common need for water during fertilization because of their reliance on flagellated sperm for the fertilization process. During the sexual reproduction of these plants, the male gametes (sperm) need to swim through water to reach the female gametes (eggs) for fertilization to occur. The flagellated sperm in both bryophytes and ferns are adapted to move in a film of water, as they are unable to travel through the air. This reliance on water for fertilization is often referred to as "homosporous" reproduction.