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Multiple Choice
The sister group to all other vascular plants is the:
A
Lycophytes
B
Gymnosperms
C
Angiosperms
D
Ferns
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of a 'sister group': In evolutionary biology, a sister group refers to the closest relative of a given group in a phylogenetic tree. Both groups share a common ancestor, but the sister group diverged earlier than other groups.
Review the characteristics of vascular plants: Vascular plants (tracheophytes) are plants that have specialized tissues (xylem and phloem) for transporting water, nutrients, and sugars. Examples include ferns, gymnosperms, angiosperms, and lycophytes.
Identify the evolutionary relationships among the options: Lycophytes, gymnosperms, angiosperms, and ferns are all vascular plants, but they differ in their evolutionary history. Lycophytes are considered one of the earliest diverging lineages of vascular plants.
Compare the options: Gymnosperms and angiosperms are seed plants, which evolved later in the vascular plant lineage. Ferns are more closely related to seed plants than lycophytes. Lycophytes are the most basal group of vascular plants, making them the sister group to all other vascular plants.
Conclude based on the evidence: The sister group to all other vascular plants is the lycophytes, as they represent the earliest diverging lineage within the vascular plant clade.