Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the primary difference between vascular and nonvascular plants?
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28. Plants
Land Plants
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Which of the following is an adaptation that distinguishes land plants from their algal relatives?
A
Absence of multicellular dependent embryos
B
Lack of specialized reproductive structures
C
The presence of cuticles to prevent water loss
D
Motile sperm that swim freely in water
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the context: Land plants evolved adaptations to survive in terrestrial environments, which differ significantly from aquatic environments where algae thrive. These adaptations address challenges such as water retention, reproduction, and structural support.
Identify the key adaptation mentioned in the problem: The presence of cuticles. A cuticle is a waxy, protective layer that covers the surface of leaves and stems in land plants, reducing water loss by preventing evaporation.
Compare land plants to their algal relatives: Algae typically live in aquatic environments where water is abundant, so they do not require adaptations like cuticles to prevent water loss. Land plants, however, face the challenge of desiccation in terrestrial habitats.
Clarify why the other options are incorrect: Multicellular dependent embryos and specialized reproductive structures are also adaptations of land plants, but they are not the focus of this question. Motile sperm that swim freely in water is a characteristic of some algae and early land plants but does not distinguish land plants from algae.
Conclude the reasoning: The presence of cuticles is a defining adaptation that distinguishes land plants from their algal relatives, as it directly addresses the challenge of water retention in terrestrial environments.
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