Which of the following is a characteristic that distinguishes gymnosperms and angiosperms from other plants?
a. Alternation of generations
b. Independent gametophytes
c. Vascular tissue
d. Ovules

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key characteristics of gymnosperms and angiosperms. Both are seed-producing plants, which is a major distinguishing feature.
2. Recognize that alternation of generations is a common feature in all plants, including non-seed plants like mosses and ferns, so it does not distinguish gymnosperms and angiosperms.
3. Independent gametophytes are found in non-seed plants like mosses and ferns, where the gametophyte is a separate, free-living organism. In seed plants, the gametophyte is dependent on the sporophyte.
4. Vascular tissue is present in both seed and non-seed plants, including ferns and club mosses, so it is not unique to gymnosperms and angiosperms.
5. Ovules are a characteristic feature of seed plants, including gymnosperms and angiosperms. They develop into seeds after fertilization, distinguishing these groups from non-seed plants.

Key Concepts

Alternation of Generations

Alternation of generations is a life cycle found in plants where there is a regular alternation between two distinct forms: the haploid gametophyte and the diploid sporophyte. This cycle is common in all plants, including gymnosperms and angiosperms, but does not distinguish them from other plant groups.

Vascular Tissue

Vascular tissue consists of xylem and phloem, which are responsible for transporting water, nutrients, and food throughout the plant. While vascular tissue is a characteristic of gymnosperms and angiosperms, it is also present in other plant groups like ferns, making it not unique to these two groups.

Ovules

Ovules are structures within seed plants where the female gametophytes develop and, after fertilization, become seeds. This characteristic is unique to gymnosperms and angiosperms, distinguishing them from non-seed plants like ferns and mosses, which do not produce seeds.