A botanist discovers a new species of plant in a tropical rain forest. After observing its anatomy and life cycle, he notes 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 tracheids in the xylem are characteristics shared by ferns. Ferns also have a separate gametophyte and sporophyte generation with the sporophyte dominant and do not produce seeds. Mosses, charophytes, gymnosperms, and flowering plants do not share all of these characteristics.

A Botanist Discovers a New Species of Plant in a Tropical