Multiple Choice
Which term describes characteristics that are shared by all members of a clade and were present in their most recent common ancestor?
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1. Introduction to Biology
Introduction to Taxonomy
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Which of the following features is common to whisk ferns, horsetails, and ferns?
A
They all have flowers.
B
They all lack true roots.
C
They all produce seeds.
D
They all possess vascular tissue.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the question: The problem is asking for a feature that is common to whisk ferns, horsetails, and ferns. Carefully analyze the options provided to identify the correct shared characteristic.
Review the characteristics of whisk ferns, horsetails, and ferns: These plants are all part of the group known as seedless vascular plants, which means they reproduce via spores and not seeds.
Eliminate incorrect options: (1) 'They all have flowers' is incorrect because none of these plants produce flowers; flowers are a feature of angiosperms. (2) 'They all lack true roots' is incorrect because horsetails and ferns have true roots, though whisk ferns may lack them. (3) 'They all produce seeds' is incorrect because these plants reproduce via spores, not seeds.
Focus on the correct option: The correct answer is 'They all possess vascular tissue.' Vascular tissue (xylem and phloem) is a defining feature of these plants, allowing them to transport water, nutrients, and sugars efficiently.
Conclude: The shared feature among whisk ferns, horsetails, and ferns is the presence of vascular tissue, which supports their classification as vascular plants.
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