Ferns reproduce through an alternation of generations, where they have both a sporophyte and gametophyte stage. The sporophyte produces spores that grow into the gametophyte plant, which produces eggs and sperm. When an egg is fertilized by sperm, it grows into a new sporophyte plant, completing the life cycle. Ferns reproduce using these spores rather than flowers, fruits, or seeds. They have sori clusters on their leaves undersides that contain sporangia holding the reproductive spores.