Question

Suppose an efficient conducting system evolved in a moss that could transport water and other materials as high as a tall tree. Which of the following statements about “trees” of such a species would notbe true?

(A) Spore dispersal distances would probably increase.

(B) Females could produce only one archegonium.

(C) Unless its body parts were strengthened, such a “tree”

would probably flop over.

(D) Individuals would probably compete more effectively for

access to light.

Short answer

(A)The statement “spore dispersal distance would probably increase” is true.

(B)The statement “females could produce only one archegonium” is not true.

(C)The statement “Unless its body parts were strengthened, such a tree would probably flop over” is true.

(D)The statement “Individuals would probably compete more effectively for access to light” is true.

Step-by-step solution

Conducting system in plants

Plants possess a conducting system called the vascular system, which helps the plant transfer water and nutrients to all its parts. The vascular tissues are the xylem and phloem. Xylem transports water from the roots to all the elements like stem and leaves.

Phloem transport starch and other nutrients from leaves to plant parts as food is produced in the leaves by photosynthesis.

Explanation for option ‘(A)’

The average distance at which spores of mosses disperse is about 2 meters. Spore dispersal in mosses is more effective when the conditions are wet. However, if the conditions are dry, mosses open their capsule for spore dispersal.

If mosses have a conducting system like trees, they will have their nutrition and water transport pathway to support spore transfer at long distances.

Thus, the spore dispersal distance could increase.

Therefore, the given option is true.

Explanation for option ‘(B)’

In general, mosses only archegonium is the reproductive organ with one egg produced per cycle. But if the mosses have a conducting system, they can produce more than one archegonium.

Thus, females will produce more than one archegonium and not just one.

There, the given statement is not true.

Explanation for option ‘(C)’

The moss structure is not like a huge tree; they are marshy lush green and spread all over the land. If they have a conducting system, their body will not hold the strength and eventually collapse.

Thus, the body parts of mosses were not strengthened, and it would probably flop over.

Therefore, the given statement is true.

Explanation for option ‘(D)’

The mosses are spread all over the land in mushy and shaded areas. They do not require much light for their source of energy. But, if the mosses possessed a conducting system, they would need light to produce nutrients.

Thus, the individual trees (mosses) would compete for more access to light.

Therefore, the given statement is true.