Which feature is believed to have been the first step in the evolution of land plants from green algae? A) Evolution of vascular tissue B) Evolution of microphylls C) Protection of the embryo D) Evolution of flowers to attract pollinators
Biology · Middle School · Tue Nov 03 2020
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The first step in the evolution of land plants from green algae is believed to be:
C) Protection of the embryo
The transition of plants from aquatic environments to land involved various adaptations to survive in terrestrial habitats. Protecting the embryo from desiccation and harsh environmental conditions was a crucial step in this evolutionary process. This protection likely began with the development of structures such as a protective covering or enclosure around the embryo to prevent it from drying out, which eventually led to the evolution of specialized structures like sporangia and eventually to more complex structures in higher land plants. This innovation allowed early land plants to reproduce successfully in drier environments, marking a critical step in their adaptation to life on land.