Which alga is most closely related to plants?
A) Chara
B) Kelp
C) Ulva
D) Diatom
E) Euglena
I think it's chara, because it is green algae, but I'm not sure. Can you explain to me why it is or not?
kelp
To determine which alga is most closely related to plants, we need to consider their evolutionary relationships. Algae and plants are both part of the larger group known as the Archaeplastida, which includes green algae, red algae, and plants.
Out of the options provided, Chara is indeed the closest relative of plants. Chara is a genus of green algae that belongs to the division Charophyta. This division includes a group of green algae called the charophytes, which are considered the closest living relatives of land plants. Chara shares many characteristics with land plants, including structural features like multicellular sex organs and a similar mechanism of cell division.
On the other hand, Kelp, Ulva, Diatom, and Euglena, although they are also algae, belong to different divisions and are not as closely related to plants as Chara. Kelp is a type of brown algae, Ulva is a type of green algae, Diatom is a type of golden-brown algae, and Euglena is a type of protist.
Therefore, in this case, you are correct. Chara is the alga most closely related to plants.