Question

Stomata are found in every group of land plants except the liverworts. If stomata evolved only once among the bryophytes, this is evidence that ...

a) Liverworts are more primitive
b) Mosses are more advanced
c) Hornworts are the oldest
d) Bryophytes share a common ancestor

Answer 1

Stomata are small openings found on the surface of leaves, stems, and other plant organs. They allow for gas exchange and water regulation. Liverworts, the only group of land plants without stomata, are considered more primitive compared to mosses and hornworts, which do have stomata.

Step-by-step explanation:

Stomata are small openings on the surface of leaves, stems, and other plant organs that allow for gas exchange and the regulation of water loss. These openings are found in every group of land plants except for the liverworts. The fact that stomata evolved only once among the bryophytes provides evidence that liverworts are more primitive than other bryophytes. This suggests that liverworts are more closely related to the ancestor that first moved to land. Mosses and hornworts, which have stomata, may be considered more advanced compared to liverworts, while liverworts are more primitive and share a common ancestor with all other bryophytes.