Which of the following pairs of plant groups are the most closely related?
Lycophytes and green algae.
Conifers and angiosperms.
Liverworts and mosses.
Horsetails and ferns.
horsetails and ferns
The most closely related pair of plant groups among the options provided is liverworts and mosses.
To determine which of the following pairs of plant groups are the most closely related, we need to consider their evolutionary history and anatomical similarities.
1. Lycophytes and green algae:
Lycophytes are a group of plants that include clubmosses, spike mosses, and quillworts. Green algae, on the other hand, are a diverse group of primarily aquatic organisms. While Lycophytes and green algae both belong to the larger plant kingdom, they are not closely related. Lycophytes are more closely related to ferns and horsetails.
2. Conifers and angiosperms:
Conifers are a group of plants that include pine, spruce, and fir trees, whereas angiosperms are flowering plants. Conifers and angiosperms are both groups of seed-producing plants, but they are not closely related. Angiosperms represent a more advanced and diverse group of plants, whereas conifers are a more ancient group.
3. Liverworts and mosses:
Liverworts and mosses are both non-vascular plants that belong to the larger group called bryophytes. They often grow in similar habitats, like moist environments. Liverworts and mosses are indeed closely related and they share several anatomical and reproductive similarities, such as the absence of true roots, stems, and leaves.
4. Horsetails and ferns:
Horsetails and ferns are both vascular plants, meaning they have specialized tissues for conducting water and nutrients. While they are not as closely related as liverworts and mosses, they still belong to the same larger group called vascular plants. Horsetails and ferns share some characteristics, such as the presence of spores for reproduction, but they are different enough to be considered distinct plant groups.
Therefore, out of the given options, liverworts and mosses are the most closely related plant groups.