Question

What new trait in land plants appeared with the arrival of the Gymnosperms?

a. The presence of vascular tissues.
b. The presence of seeds.
c. The absence of vascular tissues.
d. The absence of seeds.

Answer 1

The arrival of Gymnosperms introduced the trait of bearing seeds, which was a significant evolutionary development allowing these plants to thrive in drier environments.

Step-by-step explanation:

The new trait that appeared in land plants with the arrival of Gymnosperms is the presence of seeds. Earlier plant groups such as bryophytes and seedless vascular plants like ferns do not produce seeds; they reproduce through spores that require water for dispersal and fertilization. Gymnosperms, on the other hand, feature a dominant sporophyte generation and produce seeds, which are essentially an embryonic plant enclosed in a protective outer covering. This adaptation allows Gymnosperms to reproduce without the direct need for water, which was a significant evolutionary leap, enabling these plants to colonize drier environments more successfully than their non-seed-bearing predecessors.

Gymnosperms have seeds that are produced on modified leaves known as sporophylls. These exposed seeds allow for better protection and dispersal of the plant's offspring. The development of seeds was a significant advancement in the evolution of land plants, as it provided a mechanism for reproduction and adaptation to diverse environments.