Arrange the following in the correct sequence, from earliest to most recent, in which these plant traits originated.
1) sporophyte dominance, gametophyte independence
2) sporophyte dominance, gametophyte dependence
3) gametophyte dominance, sporophyte dependence

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct sequence reflects the evolutionary transition in plant life cycles. Initially, plants had a gametophyte-dominant life cycle with the sporophyte being dependent on the gametophyte (3). Over time, plants evolved to have sporophyte-dominant life cycles. Initially, even though the sporophyte became the dominant phase, the gametophyte remained independent (1). Eventually, the gametophyte became dependent on the sporophyte (2), which is characteristic of most modern seed plants.

Arrange the Following in the Correct Sequence, from Earliest to Most