Final answer:
Vascular plants, or tracheophytes, are characterized by their specialized vascular tissue, including xylem and phloem, as well as roots, stems, and leaves, which allows them to grow taller and adapt to a variety of environments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characteristic of Vascular Plants
The defining characteristic of vascular plants, also known as tracheophytes, is the presence of specialized vascular tissue. This system includes xylem, which transports water and minerals from the roots up through the plant, and phloem, which distributes sugars and nutrients from the leaves to the rest of the plant. The development of this complex network of transport cells allowed vascular plants to grow much taller and survive in a wider range of habitats. Vascular plants also feature roots, stems, and leaves, adaptations that support their life on land and their ability to obtain water and nutrients more efficiently. Unlike nonvascular plants like mosses and liverworts, vascular plants are able to thrive in diverse environments due to these advanced structures and mechanisms.