Plants and algae most recently shared a common ancestor 480 million years ago,and plants colonized land shortly after that.Light,water,minerals,and dissolved gases surround the whole body of a submerged green alga,and the buoyancy of water provides physical support.What adaptation did plants have to make in taking up water and minerals when they moved to dry land?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Plants adapted to the harsh conditions on land by developing specialized tissues to transport water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant. These tissues are called vascular tissues, and they include xylem and phloem. This allowed plants to grow taller and stronger, and to survive in drier environments.

Answer: D
 As plants moved onto land, they had to adapt to a new environment with less water and more exposure to the sun, wind, and other stresses. To prevent excessive water loss, plants developed a waxy film called the cuticle on their leaves and stems. This cuticle helps to seal in moisture and protect the plant from dehydration.

Both choices C and D are correct, but C is the best answer as it directly addresses the uptake of water and minerals on dry land.

Plants and Algae Most Recently Shared a Common Ancestor 480