The development of tracheids helped land plants do what?

The development of tracheids was a significant evolutionary advancement for land plants, as it helped them in several ways:

1. Support: Tracheids, which are elongated cells in the xylem (the water-conducting tissue of plants), provide structural support, which enabled plants to grow taller and thus compete more effectively for sunlight.

2. Water transport: Tracheids are part of the vascular system and allow efficient transport of water and dissolved minerals from the roots up through the plant. The movement of water occurs via capillary action and transpiration pull, which is essential for maintaining the water and nutrient flow in plants.

3. Adaptation to terrestrial life: By facilitating the efficient movement of water and nutrients, tracheids helped plants adapt to life on land where water is not always readily available, unlike aquatic environments where earlier plant ancestors lived.

4. Drought resistance: The presence of tracheids also contributes to the ability of plants to survive periods of drought, as they can effectively transport water even from deep within the soil and can help minimize water loss.