Some green algae exhibit alternation of generations. All land plants exhibit alternation of generations. No charophytes (stoneworts) exhibit alternation of generations. Keeping in mind the recent evidence from molecular systematics, the correct interpretation of these observations is that ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that green algae and land plants exhibit alternation of generations suggests that this trait was present in their common ancestor. However, the absence of alternation of generations in charophytes, which are the closest living relatives of land plants, implies that this trait was lost in the charophyte lineage. Therefore, plants must have evolved alternation of generations after they diverged from charophytes, and not independently of them, as option B suggests.

Some Green Algae Exhibit Alternation of Generations