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Which evolutionary adaptations helped plants succeed and spread on land?

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Final answer:

Plants have evolved several adaptations that helped them succeed on land, including the alternation of generations, apical meristem tissue, and waxy cuticle and lignin in cell walls.

Step-by-step explanation:

Adaptations are evolutionary or behavioral traits that enhance an organism's survival and reproduction in a specific environment. These can include physical features, behaviors, or physiological changes to meet environmental challenges. Plants have evolved several adaptations that have allowed them to succeed and spread on land.

  1. The alternation of generations is a major adaptation where plants have a sporophyte phase that produces spores and a gametophyte phase that produces gametes.
  2. Apical meristem tissue in roots and shoots allows plants to grow continuously.
  3. The evolution of a waxy cuticle helps plants resist desiccation, while cell walls with lignin provide support for structures off the ground.

User Chris Trahey
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Many adaptations are responsible for the evolution of plats, to grow on land. This includes their ability to grow on comparatively dry lands, alternation of generations (diplod/haploid), lack of buoyancy, ability to resist dessication, ability to produce seeds and vascular system.
User Russell Parrott
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