Textbook Question
Which of the following structures produce eggs and sperm? (Explain your answer.)
a. Fern sporophytes
b. Moss gametophytes
c. The anthers of a flower
d. Moss sporangia
1144
views
28. Plants
Seed Plants
1:03 minutesProblem 6
Textbook Question
Use the letters a–d to label where on the phylogenetic tree each of the following derived characters appears.
a. Flowers
b. Embryos
c. Seeds
d. Vascular tissue
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of a phylogenetic tree: A phylogenetic tree is a diagram that represents evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on similarities and differences in their physical or genetic characteristics.
Identify the derived characters: Derived characters are traits that appear in recent parts of a lineage but not in its older members. In this problem, the derived characters are flowers, embryos, seeds, and vascular tissue.
Determine the order of appearance of these derived characters in plant evolution: Generally, embryos appear first, followed by vascular tissue, seeds, and finally flowers.
Locate the position of each derived character on the phylogenetic tree: Start from the base of the tree and move upwards, placing 'embryos' first, then 'vascular tissue', followed by 'seeds', and finally 'flowers' at the top.
Label the tree: Assign the letters a–d to each derived character based on their position in the evolutionary sequence. Ensure that 'a' corresponds to flowers, 'b' to embryos, 'c' to seeds, and 'd' to vascular tissue.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
1mWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Phylogenetic Tree
A phylogenetic tree is a diagram that represents evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on similarities and differences in their physical or genetic characteristics. It is used to illustrate the divergence of species from common ancestors, with branches indicating evolutionary paths and nodes representing common ancestors.
Recommended video:
04:13
Building Phylogenetic Trees Example 2
Derived Characters
Derived characters are traits that appear in recent parts of a lineage but not in its older members. These traits are used to determine evolutionary relationships and are crucial for constructing phylogenetic trees. Derived characters help identify the point at which a particular trait evolved, marking a divergence in the evolutionary path.
Recommended video:
05:42Shared Derived Characters
Evolutionary Traits in Plants
In the context of plant evolution, traits such as flowers, embryos, seeds, and vascular tissue represent significant evolutionary advancements. Flowers are reproductive structures unique to angiosperms, seeds provide protection and nourishment to plant embryos, and vascular tissue allows for efficient transport of water and nutrients, supporting plant growth and diversification.
Recommended video:
Guided course
05:58Vestigial Traits and Evolutionary Misconceptions
Related Videos
Related Practice