Compare and contrast the lycophyte and bryophyte life cycles with respect to the sizes and longevity

Bryophytes: Bryophytes are small flowerless, spore-producing plants. They include three major groups: mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. Their life cycle consists of an alternation of a generation with sporophytic [diploid] and gametophytic [haploid] phases. Sporophytes are spore-producing bodies that survive for a brief duration in bryophytes. The spores [haploid] once produced are germinated into gametophytes under favorable conditions. Gametophytes are much larger and perform photosynthesis [they bear leaf and stem-like structures] to nourish themselves. The sporophytes get their nutrition from the gametophytes.

Lycophytes: Lycophytes are vascular ferns. They exhibit alternation of generation during their life cycle with most of the time occupied by the sporophytic phase. The gametophytes are smaller than the sporophytes and form a symbiotic association with fungi [called mycorrhizae] to obtain nourishment. The sporophyte performs photosynthesis with the help of leaves and stems present. The gametophytes form male sperms and female eggs.

Bryophytes: Gametophyte is the dominant stage in the life cycle of bryophytes. Sporophytes are smaller and are found attached to the gametophyte. The sporophytes absorb nutrition from the gametophyte. Two different cells protect each type of gametes formed [male and female].

Lycophytes: Sporophytic phase is dominant over the gametophytic phase. The sporophytes are larger and carry out photosynthesis for their nutrition. The gametophyte is smaller and initially free-living but gets attached to fungi to obtain nutrition [symbiotic association].