What type of environment is associated with the presence of ferns (sori)?

The presence of ferns, particularly those with sori, is commonly associated with a forest environment. Ferns thrive in moist, shaded areas that provide the necessary light conditions for their growth and reproduction. Forests often provide the right habitat with the humidity levels ferns need and the canopy cover that protects these plants from direct sunlight. This lush environment allows for the characteristic spore-producing structures, or sori, to develop on the undersides of fern fronds, aiding in their reproduction cycle.

While ferns can also exist in marshes, bogs, and swamps, these environments might not always offer the same balance of light and moisture found in forests, which typically supports a richer diversity of fern species. In contrast, areas like marshes or swamps might host different types of plant life better suited to those specific wetland conditions, and bogs can have restrictions on nutrient availability that may not favor fern growth as much as forested areas do. Thus, the association of ferns with forest environments is grounded in their ecological preferences and adaptations.