Chapter 21, Problem 5A

Summary Introduction

Introduction :

Plants are vital to our survival. The oxygen we breathe, the food we eat, and many of the things that make our lives comfortable, such as clothing, furniture, and our homes, come from or are parts of plants.

Answer to Problem 5A

Correct answer :

The correct answer is option (D) contain vascular tissue

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer :

Option (D) contain vascular tissue. The plant containing vascular tissue is not a trait shared by freshwater green algae and plants. Through natural selection, drought-resistant adaptations in that ancestor, such as protected embryos and other survival characteristics, might have passed to future generations. So, the correct answer is option (D).

Explanation for incorrect answer :

Option (D) Cellulose cell wall. Cell walls made up of cellulose is the common characteristic which is found by scientists comparing present-day plants and present-day green algae. So, this is an incorrect answer.

Option (B) Chlorophyll. The same type of chlorophyll used in photosynthesis is the common characteristic which is found by scientists comparing present-day plants and present-day green algae. So, this is an incorrect answer.

Option (C) food stored as starch. Plant’s food stored as starch is the common characteristic which is found by scientists comparing present-day plants and present-day green algae. So, this is an incorrect answer.