The evolution of heterospory occurred independently several times in the course of vascular plant evolution.Which statement best explains the possible selective advantages of heterospory in land plants?
A) Consolidating male and female gametes on a single plant results in less energy wasted on specialized structures devoted to reproduction and ensures close proximity of gametes during mating.
B) Separation of male and female gametophytes promotes greater genetic diversity of offspring while development of the egg is also no longer in direct competition for energy resources with development of the sperm.
C) Consolidating male and female gametes on a single plant shortens generation times by reducing the distance sperm travel to fuse with the egg, thus allowing for faster rates of evolution.
D) Separating male and female gametophytes reduces the risk of being eliminated by predation, increasing the chances for individuals to survive to reproductive maturity.
E) There is no selective advantage to heterospory over homospory.
Correct Answer:
Verified
Q80: Lycophyte-fern forests arose in the Devonian period
Q81: Plants with an unequally branching independent sporophyte
Q82: Consider the following facts:
Q83: Which evidence most strongly suggests that heterospory
Q84: The small closable openings in leaves and
Q86: If an organism possesses the photosynthetic pigment
Q87: Land plants, sometimes referred to as _,
Q88: In a heterosporous life cycle, the microspore
Q89: Despite sharing the common name _, all
Q90: Refer to the figure, which shows alternation
Unlock this Answer For Free Now!
View this answer and more for free by performing one of the following actions
Scan the QR code to install the App and get 2 free unlocks
Unlock quizzes for free by uploading documents