Final answer:
During vascular plant evolution, xylem and phloem tissues developed for conducting water and minerals, true roots and leaves appeared, and rhizoids became smaller and symbiotically dependent on mycorrhizae. Stems initially provided protection and later allowed plants to grow taller.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the early stages of vascular plant evolution, internal conducting tissues (xylem and phloem) began to develop, true roots appeared, and leaves that function in absorption and anchorage developed. At the same time, rhizoids became progressively smaller and more dependent on symbiotic mycorrhizae, while stems became progressively larger and initially provided protection.