Which of the following best describes the primary difference between vascular and nonvascular plants?

• A. Vascular plants are always aquatic, while nonvascular plants are always terrestrial.
• B. Nonvascular plants have flowers, but vascular plants do not.
• C. Nonvascular plants produce seeds, whereas vascular plants do not.
• D. Vascular plants have specialized tissues (xylem and phloem) for transporting water and nutrients, while nonvascular plants lack these tissues.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key difference between vascular and nonvascular plants: Vascular plants have specialized tissues called xylem and phloem for transporting water, nutrients, and food throughout the plant, while nonvascular plants lack these tissues.
2. Recognize that xylem is responsible for transporting water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant, and phloem transports sugars and other organic nutrients produced during photosynthesis.
3. Nonvascular plants, such as mosses and liverworts, rely on diffusion and osmosis for the movement of water and nutrients because they lack vascular tissues.
4. Vascular plants, such as ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms, can grow larger and thrive in a wider range of environments due to their efficient transport system.
5. Eliminate the incorrect options by comparing the characteristics of vascular and nonvascular plants: Vascular plants are not always aquatic, nonvascular plants do not produce seeds, and vascular plants can have flowers (in angiosperms). The correct answer highlights the presence of xylem and phloem in vascular plants.