Question

Plants and algae most recently shared a common ancestor 480 million years ago, and plants colonized land shortly after that. In sexual reproduction, an alga simply releases gametes into the water, and the current carries the sex cells to another individual. What adaptation arose in gymnosperms and angiosperms that allowed reproduction on dry land and over great distances?

a. production of pollen
b. production of a cuticle
c. production of lignin
d. development of vascular tissue
e. development of stomata

Answer 1

Gymnosperms and angiosperms evolved the adaptation of the production of pollen that allowed them to reproduce on dry land and over great distances. The correct option is a. production of pollen.

Step-by-step explanation:

Gymnosperms and angiosperms developed an adaptation to produce pollen, which enabled them to procreate over long distances and on dry land.

Pollen is a structure that contains the male gametes and can be carried by wind or animals to reach the female reproductive organs of other plants. This adaptation eliminated the need for water in the fertilisation process, allowing plants to reproduce independently in a terrestrial environment.

Hence, a is the correct option.

Answer 2

The key adaptation that enabled gymnosperms and angiosperms to reproduce on land is the production of pollen, which allowed for the transport of male gametes without water.

Step-by-step explanation:

The adaptation that arose in gymnosperms and angiosperms allowing reproduction on dry land and over great distances is the production of pollen. Pollen allows for the transfer of male gametes without the need for water, as it is carried by environmental factors like wind or animals. The first appearance of a pollen tube occurs in gymnosperms which then allows the sperm to pass through to reach the ovum without the need for a water medium. This evolutionary adaptation was key to enabling seed plants to colonize dry land and reproduce effectively in terrestrial environments.