A botanist discovers a new species of plant in a tropical rain forest. Investigation of its anatomy and life cycle shows the following characteristics: flagellated sperm, xylem with tracheids, separate gametophyte, and sporophyte generations with the sporophyte dominant, and no seeds. This plant is probably most closely related to ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of flagellated sperm and separate gametophyte and sporophyte generations with the sporophyte dominant indicates that this plant is likely a fern. Xylem with tracheids is also a characteristic of ferns. Mosses do not have flagellated sperm or tracheids in their xylem, and gymnosperms and flowering plants have seeds.

A Botanist Discovers a New Species of Plant in a Tropical