Question 1

Which group of algae is believed to be the closest living relatives of land plants, based on fossil and molecular evidence?

Accepted Answer

Charophyte green algae

Question 2

What is the biological significance of sporopollenin in the colonization of land by plants?

Accepted Answer

It prevents desiccation of spores and gametes, allowing survival in dry environments.

Question 3

In the alternation of generations in plants, which generation is haploid and which is diploid?

Accepted Answer

Gametophyte is haploid ($$n$$), sporophyte is diploid ($$2n).$$

Question 4

If a gametophyte plant has 16 chromosomes in its cells, how many chromosomes are in the cells of its sporophyte?

Accepted Answer

32

Question 5

What is directly produced by meiosis in the life cycle of plants?

Accepted Answer

Spores

Question 6

Which material is found in the cell wall of fungi, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Chitin; provides structural strength and protection

Question 7

What is the function of mycorrhizae in plant-fungal symbiosis?

Accepted Answer

They increase surface area for water and nutrient absorption.

Question 8

Why are bryophytes typically small and found only in moist environments?

Accepted Answer

They lack vascular tissue for water transport.

Question 9

Which of the following is a key adaptation that allowed seed plants to reproduce without water?

Accepted Answer

Pollen grains

Question 10

What evolutionary advantage do seeds provide over spores?

Accepted Answer

Seeds contain a protective coat and stored food, increasing survival of the embryo.

Question 11

Which generation is dominant in ferns, and are the fronds haploid or diploid?

Accepted Answer

Sporophyte; diploid

Question 12

What is the specialized function of the flower in angiosperms?

Accepted Answer

Reproduction by attracting pollinators and facilitating fertilization

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of monocots?

Accepted Answer

Ringed vascular bundles in stem

Question 14

In the phylogenetic tree of plants, which derived character appears earliest?

Accepted Answer

Embryos

Question 15

Which term describes a lineage that is still found on Earth today?

Accepted Answer

Extant

Question 16

What is the main function of roots in vascular plants?

Accepted Answer

Absorption of water and nutrients, and anchoring the plant

Question 17

Which event occurs first in the fungal sexual life cycle: plasmogamy or karyogamy?

Accepted Answer

Plasmogamy

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of fruits in angiosperms?

Accepted Answer

Protecting seeds and aiding in their dispersal

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a way organisms maximize their surface area to volume ratio?

Accepted Answer

Increasing cell size

Question 20

Lichens are a symbiotic relationship between which two types of organisms?

Accepted Answer

Fungi and algae

Study Guide: Plant Diversity and the Colonization of Land

Study Guide - Practice Questions