Which of the following is true concerning flowering plants?

Which of the following is true concerning flowering plants?

A) The flower includes sporoophyte tissue.
B) The gametophyte generation is dominant.
C) The gametophyte generation is what we see when looking at a large plant.
D) The sporophyte generation is not photosynthetic.
E) The sporophyte generation consists of relatively few cells within the flower.


Answer: a

Which of the following is true concerning flowering plants?

Which of the following is true concerning flowering plants?

A) The flower includes sporoophyte tissue.
B) The gametophyte generation is dominant.
C) The gametophyte generation is what we see when looking at a large plant.
D) The sporophyte generation is not photosynthetic.
E) The sporophyte generation consists of relatively few cells within the flower.


Answer: a

Which of the following is true concerning flowering plants?

Which of the following is true concerning flowering plants?

A) The flower includes sporoophyte tissue.
B) The gametophyte generation is dominant.
C) The gametophyte generation is what we see when looking at a large plant.
D) The sporophyte generation is not photosynthetic.
E) The sporophyte generation consists of relatively few cells within the flower.


Answer: a

Which of the following is a characteristic of all angiosperms?

Which of the following is a characteristic of all angiosperms?

A) complete reliance on wind as the pollinating agent
B) double internal fertilization
C) free-living gametophytes
D) carpels that contain microsporangia
E) ovules that are not contained within ovaries


Answer: b

Given the differences between angiosperms and gymnosperms in the development of the integument(s), which of these statements is the most logical consequence?

Given the differences between angiosperms and gymnosperms in the development of the integument(s), which of these statements is the most logical consequence?

A) The seed coats of angiosperms should be relatively thicker than those of gymnosperms.
B) It should be much more difficult for pollen tubes to enter angiosperm ovules than for them to enter gymnosperm ovules.
C) The female gametophytes of angiosperms should not be as well protected from environmental stress as should those of gymnosperms.
D) As a direct consequence of such differences, angiosperms should have fruit.
E) Angiosperm seeds should be more susceptible to desiccation.


Answer: a

egg cell in the embryo sac

egg cell in the embryo sac

A) male gametophyte
B) female gametophyte
C) male sporophyte
D) female sporophyte


Answer: b

Integument of pine seed

Integument of pine seed

A) male gametophyte
B) female gametophyte
C) male sporophyte
D) female sporophyte


Answer: d

Scale of ovulate (ovule-bearing) pinecone

Scale of ovulate (ovule-bearing) pinecone

A) male gametophyte
B) female gametophyte
C) male sporophyte
D) female sporophyte


Answer: d

Reptilian embryos are protected from desiccation by a leathery shell. Similarly, which pair of structures protects seed plantsʹ embryos and male gametophytes, respectively, from desiccation?

Reptilian embryos are protected from desiccation by a leathery shell. Similarly, which pair of structures protects seed plantsʹ embryos and male gametophytes, respectively, from desiccation?

A) ovules : waxy cuticle
B) ovaries : filaments
C) fruits : stamens
D) pollen grains : waxy cuticle
E) integuments : sporopollenin


Answer: e

What is true of stamens, sepals, petals, carpels, and pinecone scales?

What is true of stamens, sepals, petals, carpels, and pinecone scales?

A) They are female reproductive parts.
B) None are capable of photosynthesis.
C) They are modified leaves.
D) They are found on flowers.
E) They are found on angiosperms.


Answer: c

A botanist discovers a new species of land plant with a dominant sporophyte, chlorophylls a and b, and cell walls made of cellulose. In assigning this plant to a phylum, which of the following, if present, would be least useful?

A botanist discovers a new species of land plant with a dominant sporophyte, chlorophylls a and b, and cell walls made of cellulose. In assigning this plant to a phylum, which of the following, if present, would be least useful?

A) endosperm
B) seeds
C) sperm that lack flagella
D) flowers
E) spores


Answer: e

Which structure is common to both gymnosperms and angiosperms?

Which structure is common to both gymnosperms and angiosperms?

A) stigma
B) carpel
C) ovule
D) ovary
E) anthers


Answer: c

Native peoples of Guam, such as the Chamorro people, are familiar with the toxicity of cycad tissues, and avoid eating them. They do, however, feast on flying foxes. The Chamorros suffer relatively high incidences of a neurodegenerative disease similar to Lou Gehrigʹs disease (ALS). Which question follows most logically from these observations?

Native peoples of Guam, such as the Chamorro people, are familiar with the toxicity of cycad tissues, and avoid eating them. They do, however, feast on flying foxes. The Chamorros suffer relatively high incidences of a neurodegenerative disease similar to Lou Gehrigʹs disease (ALS). Which question follows most logically from these observations?

A) Do the fruits of cycads also contain the neurotoxins?
B) Do pollen-producing cones produce as much neurotoxin as seed-producing cones?
C) Is the neurodegenerative disease of the Chamorros transmitted by the bite of the flying fox, similar to the way vampire bats can transmit rabies?
D) Do flying foxes concentrate the cycad neurotoxins in their tissues?
E) Can it be documented whether Lou Gehrig ever traveled to Guam and, if so, did he eat cycad seeds?


Answer: d

On the Pacific island of Guam, large herbivorous bats called ʺflying foxesʺ commonly feed on cycad seeds, a potent source of neurotoxins. The flying foxes do not visit male cones. Consequently, what should be true?

On the Pacific island of Guam, large herbivorous bats called ʺflying foxesʺ commonly feed on cycad seeds, a potent source of neurotoxins. The flying foxes do not visit male cones. Consequently, what should be true?

A) The flying foxes are attracted to cycad fruit, and eat the enclosed seeds only by accident.
B) Flying foxes are highly susceptible to the effects of the neurotoxins.
C) The flying foxes assist the beetles as important pollinating agents of the cycads.
D) Flying foxes can be dispersal agents of cycad seeds if the seeds sometimes get swallowed whole (i.e., without getting chewed).


Answer: d

If the beetles survive by consuming cycad pollen, then whether the beetles should be considered mutualists with, or parasites of, the cycads depends upon

If the beetles survive by consuming cycad pollen, then whether the beetles should be considered mutualists with, or parasites of, the cycads depends upon

A) the extent to which their overall activities affect cycad reproduction.
B) the extent to which the beetles are affected by the neurotoxins.
C) the extent to which the beetles damage the cycad flowers.
D) the distance the beetles must travel between cycad microsporophylls and cycad megasporophylls.


Answer: a

If one were to erect a new taxon of plants that included all plants that are pollinated by animals, and only plants that are pollinated by animals, then this new taxon would be

If one were to erect a new taxon of plants that included all plants that are pollinated by animals, and only plants that are pollinated by animals, then this new taxon would be

A) monophyletic.
B) paraphyletic.
C) polyphyletic.
D) identical in composition to the phylum Anthophyta.
E) identical in composition to the phylum Cycadophyta.


Answer: c

Which feature of cycads makes them similar to many angiosperms?

Which feature of cycads makes them similar to many angiosperms?

1. They have exposed ovules.
2. They have flagellated sperm.
3. They are pollinated by animals.


A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) 3 only
D) 2 and 3
E) 1, 2, and 3


Answer: c

Which feature of cycads distinguishes them from most other gymnosperms?

Which feature of cycads distinguishes them from most other gymnosperms?

1. They have exposed ovules.
2. They have flagellated sperm.
3. They are pollinated by animals.


A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) 3 only
D) 2 and 3
E) 1, 2, and 3


Answer: d

Which trait(s) is (are) shared by many modern gymnosperms and angiosperms?

Which trait(s) is (are) shared by many modern gymnosperms and angiosperms?

1. pollen transported by wind
2. lignified xylem
3. microscopic gametophytes
4. sterile sporophylls, modified to attract pollinators
5. endosperm


A) 1 only
B) 1 and 3
C) 1, 2, and 3
D) 1, 3, and 5
E) 2, 4, and 5


Answer: c

Which of these statements is false?

Which of these statements is false?

A) A female pinecone is a short stem with spore-bearing appendages.
B) A male pinecone is a short stem with spore-bearing appendages.
C) A flower is a short stem with spore-bearing appendages.
D) A mature fruit is a short stem with spore-bearing appendages.


Answer: d

Arrange the following structures, which can be found on male pine trees, from the largest structure to the smallest structure (or from most inclusive to least inclusive).

Arrange the following structures, which can be found on male pine trees, from the largest structure to the smallest structure (or from most inclusive to least inclusive).

1. sporophyte
2. microspores
3. microsporangia
4. pollen cone
5. pollen nuclei


A) 1, 4, 3, 2, 5
B) 1, 4, 2, 3, 5
C) 1, 2, 3, 5, 4
D) 4, 1, 2, 3, 5
E) 4, 3, 2, 5, 1


Answer: a

Similar to cacti and euphorbs, conifers often have leaves that are modified into a needle -like shape-an adaptation to arid environments. Yet, the taiga bioprovince of the northern hemisphere and the slopes of mountain ranges receive plenty of annual precipitation and have dense conifer forests. In what way are such environments able to account for the presence of trees whose leaves are adapted to arid conditions?

Similar to cacti and euphorbs, conifers often have leaves that are modified into a needle -like shape-an adaptation to arid environments. Yet, the taiga bioprovince of the northern hemisphere and the slopes of mountain ranges receive plenty of annual precipitation and have dense conifer forests. In what way are such environments able to account for the presence of trees whose leaves are adapted to arid conditions?

A) The soil there drains poorly.
B) Water around the roots or on the soil surface is often frozen, and therefore unavailable.
C) Albedo (the fraction of light reflected from a surface) off the arctic ice cap desiccates unprotected leaves.
D) Acid deposition is intense at such latitudes.
E) UV radiation is intense at such latitudes.


Answer: b

Which of the following can be found in gymnosperms?

Which of the following can be found in gymnosperms?

A) non-fertile flower parts.
B) triploid endosperm.
C) fruits.
D) pollen.
E) carpels.


Answer: d

Within a gymnosperm megasporangium, what is the correct sequence in which the following should appear during development, assuming that fertilization occurs?

Within a gymnosperm megasporangium, what is the correct sequence in which the following should appear during development, assuming that fertilization occurs?

1. sporophyte embryo
2. female gametophyte
3. egg cell
4. megaspore


A) 4 → 3 → 2 → 1
B) 4 → 2 → 3 → 1
C) 4 → 1 → 2 → 3
D) 1 → 4 → 3 → 2
E) 1 → 4 → 2 → 3


Answer: b

Which of these statements is true of the pine life cycle?

Which of these statements is true of the pine life cycle?

A) Cones are homologous to the capsules of moss plants.
B) The pine tree is a gametophyte.
C) Male and female gametophytes are in close proximity during gamete synthesis.
D) Conifer pollen grains contain male gametophytes.
E) Double fertilization is a relatively common phenomenon.


Answer: d

Which of these statements correctly describes a portion of the pine life cycle?

Which of these statements correctly describes a portion of the pine life cycle?

A) Female gametophytes use mitosis to produce eggs.
B) Seeds are produced in pollen-producing cones.
C) Pollen grains contain female gametophytes.
D) A pollen tube slowly digests its way through the triploid endosperm.


Answer: a

Generally, wind pollination is most likely to be found in seed plants that grow

Generally, wind pollination is most likely to be found in seed plants that grow

A) close to the ground.
B) in dense, single-species stands.
C) in relative isolation from other members of the same species.
D) along coastlines where prevailing winds blow from the land out to sea.
E) in well-drained soils.


Answer: b

The main way that pine trees disperse their offspring is by using

The main way that pine trees disperse their offspring is by using

A) fruits that are eaten by animals.
B) spores.
C) squirrels to bury cones.
D) windblown seeds.
E) flagellated sperm swimming through water.


Answer: d

Gymnosperms differ from both extinct and extant ferns because they

Gymnosperms differ from both extinct and extant ferns because they

A) are woody.
B) have macrophylls.
C) have pollen.
D) have sporophylls.
E) have spores.



Answer: c

A researcher has developed two stains for use with seed plants. One stains sporophyte tissue blue; the other stains gametophyte tissue red. If the researcher exposes pollen grains to both stains, and then rinses away the excess stain, what should occur?

A researcher has developed two stains for use with seed plants. One stains sporophyte tissue blue; the other stains gametophyte tissue red. If the researcher exposes pollen grains to both stains, and then rinses away the excess stain, what should occur?

A) The pollen grains will be pure red.
B) The pollen grains will be pure blue.
C) The pollen grains will have red interiors and blue exteriors.
D) The pollen grains will have blue interiors and red exteriors.
E) Insofar as the pollen grains are independent of the plant that produced them, they will not absorb either stain.


Answer: c

Which of these is most important in making the typical seed more resistant to adverse conditions than the typical spore?

Which of these is most important in making the typical seed more resistant to adverse conditions than the typical spore?

A) a different type of sporopollenin
B) an internal reservoir of liquid water
C) integument(s)
D) ability to be dispersed
E) waxy cuticle


Answer: c

In terms of alternation of generations, the internal parts of the pollen grains of seed-producing plants are most similar to a

In terms of alternation of generations, the internal parts of the pollen grains of seed-producing plants are most similar to a

A) moss sporophyte.
B) moss gametophyte bearing both male and female gametangia.
C) fern sporophyte.
D) hermaphroditic fern gametophyte.
E) fern gametophyte bearing only antheridia.


Answer: e

In seed plants, which part of a pollen grain has a function most like that of the seed coat?

In seed plants, which part of a pollen grain has a function most like that of the seed coat?

A) sporophyll
B) male gametophyte
C) sporopollenin
D) stigma
E) sporangium


Answer: c

Arrange the following in the correct sequence, from earliest to most recent, in which these plant traits originated:

Arrange the following in the correct sequence, from earliest to most recent, in which these plant traits originated:

1. sporophyte dominance, gametophyte independence
2. sporophyte dominance, gametophyte dependence
3. gametophyte dominance, sporophyte dependence


A) 1 → 2 → 3
B) 2 → 3 → 1
C) 2 → 1 → 3
D) 3 → 2 → 1
E) 3 → 1 → 2


Answer: e

In angiosperms, which number most nearly represents the event that initiates the formation of endosperm?

In angiosperms, which number most nearly represents the event that initiates the formation of endosperm?

A) 4
B) 6
C) 8
D) 10
E) 12



Answer: d

The embryo sac of an angiosperm flower is best represented by which number?

The embryo sac of an angiosperm flower is best represented by which number?

A) 1
B) 3
C) 7
D) 9
E) 11


Answer: c

The process labeled ʺ6ʺ involves

The process labeled ʺ6ʺ involves

A) nuclear fission.
B) mitosis.
C) meiosis.
D) fertilization.
E) binary fission.


Answer: b

Which numbers represent haploid cells or tissues?

Which numbers represent haploid cells or tissues?

A) 1, 3, and 5
B) 7, 9, and 11
C) 1, 3, and 11
D) 1, 5, and 7
E) 5, 7, and 9


Answer: e

Which number represents a megaspore mother cell?

Which number represents a megaspore mother cell?

A) 1
B) 3
C) 5
D) 7
E) 11


Answer: b

Meiosis is most likely to be represented by which number(s)?

Meiosis is most likely to be represented by which number(s)?

A) 2
B) 4
C) 2 and 8
D) 4 and 8
E) 10 and 12


Answer: b

Which number represents an embryo?

Which number represents an embryo?

A) 1
B) 3
C) 7
D) 9
E) 11


Answer: e

Which number represents the mature gametophyte?

Which number represents the mature gametophyte?

A) 1
B) 3
C) 5
D) 7
E) 11


Answer: d

Suppose that the cells of seed plants, like the skin cells of humans, produce a pigment upon increased exposure to UV radiation. Rank the cells below, from greatest to least, in terms of the likelihood of producing this pigment.

Suppose that the cells of seed plants, like the skin cells of humans, produce a pigment upon increased exposure to UV radiation. Rank the cells below, from greatest to least, in terms of the likelihood of producing this pigment.

1. cells of sporangium
2. cells in the interior of a subterranean root
3. epidermal cells of sporophyte megaphylls
4. cells of a gametophyte


A) 3, 4, 1, 2
B) 3, 4, 2, 1
C) 3, 1, 4, 2
D) 3, 2, 1, 4
E) 3, 1, 2, 4


Answer: c

Which of the following most closely represents the male gametophyte of seed-bearing plants?

Which of the following most closely represents the male gametophyte of seed-bearing plants?

A) ovule
B) microspore mother cell
C) pollen grain interior
D) embryo sac
E) fertilized egg


Answer: c

In addition to seeds, which of the following characteristics are unique to the seed-producing plants?

In addition to seeds, which of the following characteristics are unique to the seed-producing plants?

A) sporopollenin
B) lignin present in cell walls
C) pollen
D) use of air currents as a dispersal agent
E) megaphylls


Answer: c

The seed coatʹs most important function is to provide

The seed coatʹs most important function is to provide

A) a nonstressful environment for the megasporangium.
B) the means for dispersal.
C) dormancy.
D) a nutrient supply for the embryo.
E) desiccation resistance.


Answer: e

Plants with a dominant sporophyte are successful on land partly because

Plants with a dominant sporophyte are successful on land partly because

A) having no stomata, they lose less water.
B) they all disperse by means of seeds.
C) diploid plants experience fewer mutations than do haploid plants.
D) their gametophytes are completely enclosed within sporophyte tissue.
E) eggs and sperm need not be produced.


Answer: d

All of the following cellular structures are functionally important in cells of the gametophytes of both angiosperms and gymnosperms, except

All of the following cellular structures are functionally important in cells of the gametophytes of both angiosperms and gymnosperms, except

A) haploid nuclei.
B) mitochondria.
C) cell walls.
D) chloroplasts.
E) peroxisomes.


Answer: d

Which of the following is an ongoing trend in the evolution of land plants?

Which of the following is an ongoing trend in the evolution of land plants?

A) decrease in the size of the leaf
B) reduction of the gametophyte phase of the life cycle
C) elimination of sperm cells or sperm nuclei
D) increasing reliance on water to bring sperm and egg together
E) replacement of roots by rhizoids


Answer: b

The result of heterospory is

The result of heterospory is

A) the existence of male and female sporophytes.
B) the existence of male and female gametophytes.
C) the absence of sexuality from both plant generations.
D) both (A) and (B) above.


Answer: b

The sporophytes of mosses depend on the gametophytes for water and nutrition. In seed plants, the reverse is true. From which seed plant sporophyte structure(s) do the immature (unfertilized) gametophytes directly gain water and nutrition?

The sporophytes of mosses depend on the gametophytes for water and nutrition. In seed plants, the reverse is true. From which seed plant sporophyte structure(s) do the immature (unfertilized) gametophytes directly gain water and nutrition?

A) sporophylls
B) embryos
C) sporangia
D) sporopollenin
E) ovary


Answer: c

In which of the following pairs do the structures play comparable roles in the plant and animal life cycles?

In which of the following pairs do the structures play comparable roles in the plant and animal life cycles?

a) A plant seed and a bird egg
b) A plant sporophyte and an adult animal
c) The male gametophyte of a plant and the testes of an animal


Answer: B

Which of these structures is a separate generation from the plant sporophyte?

Which of these structures is a separate generation from the plant sporophyte?

a) A male gametophyte within a pollen grain
b) The ovule
c) A seed


Answer: A

Select the correct statement describing the life cycle of angiosperms.

Select the correct statement describing the life cycle of angiosperms.

a) Double fertilization in the life cycle of seed plants results in the production of a diploid zygote and a triploid endosperm nucleus.
b) In angiosperm life cycles, the female gametophyte is the ovule.
c) The life cycle of seed plants does not include a gametophyte generation


Answer: A

What are the products of meiosis in the life cycle of a seed plant?

What are the products of meiosis in the life cycle of a seed plant?

a) Megaspores or microspores
b) Sperm or eggs
c) Male or female gametophytes


Answer: A

Gymnosperms and angiosperms have the following in common except

Gymnosperms and angiosperms have the following in common except

a) seeds.
b) ovaries.
c) vascular tissue.
d) ovules.
e) pollen.


Answer: B

Which of the following is not a characteristic that distinguishes gymnosperms and angiosperms from other plants?

Which of the following is not a characteristic that distinguishes gymnosperms and angiosperms from other plants?

a) pollen
b) ovules
c) dependent gametophytes
d) alternation of generations
e) integuments

Answer: D

A fruit is most commonly

A fruit is most commonly

a) a modified root.
b) a mature ovary.
c) a thickened style.
d) a mature female gametophyte.
e) an enlarged ovule.


Answer: B

Where in an angiosperm would you find a megasporangium?

Where in an angiosperm would you find a megasporangium?

a) packed into pollen sacs within the anthers found on a stamen
b) in the style of a flower
c) enclosed in the stigma of a flower
d) within an ovule contained within an ovary of a flower
e) inside the tip of a pollen tube


Answer: D

Human survival literally depends on the produce of _____.

Human survival literally depends on the produce of _____.

a) gymnosperms
b) gnetophytes
c) cycads
d) ginkgoes
e) angiosperms


Answer: E

Which of the following flower parts develops into a seed?

Which of the following flower parts develops into a seed?

a) ovary
b) stamen
c) ovule
d) fruit


Answer: C

Angiosperm double fertilization is so-called because it features the formation of

Angiosperm double fertilization is so-called because it features the formation of

a) two embryos from one egg and two sperm cells.
b) one embryo from one egg fertilized by two sperm cells.
c) one embryo from two eggs fertilized by a single sperm cell.
d) two embryos from two sperm cells and two eggs.
e) one embryo involving one sperm cell and an endosperm involving a second sperm cell.


Answer: E

Which of the following is a true statement about angiosperm carpels?

Which of the following is a true statement about angiosperm carpels?

a) Carpels surround and nourish the female gametophyte.
b) Carpels consist of highly modified microsporangia.
c) Carpels are structures that directly produce male gametes.
d) Carpels are features of the gametophyte generation.
e) Carpels consist of anther and stamen.


Answer: A

Carpels and stamens are

Carpels and stamens are

a) spores.
b) modified sporophylls.
c) gametes.
d) sporophyte plants in their own right.
e) gametophyte plants in their own right.


Answer: B

Which of the following is true concerning flowering plants?

Which of the following is true concerning flowering plants?

a) The gametophyte generation is dominant.
b) The flower includes sporophyte tissue.
c) The sporophyte generation consists of relatively few cells within the flower.
d) The sporophyte generation is not photosynthetic.
e) The gametophyte generation is what we see when looking at a large plant.


Answer: B

Which of the following is a characteristic of all angiosperms?

Which of the following is a characteristic of all angiosperms?

a) double internal fertilization
b) ovules that are not contained within ovaries
c) free-living gametophytes
d) carpels that contain microsporangia
e) complete reliance on wind as the pollinating agent


Answer: A

Unlike most angiosperms, grasses are pollinated by wind. As a consequence, some unnecessary parts of grass flowers have almost disappeared. Which of the following parts would you expect to be most reduced in a grass flower?

Unlike most angiosperms, grasses are pollinated by wind. As a consequence, some unnecessary parts of grass flowers have almost disappeared. Which of the following parts would you expect to be most reduced in a grass flower?

a) anthers
b) petals
c) carpels
d) ovaries
e) stamens


Answer: B

Angiosperms are different from all other plants because only they have _____.

Angiosperms are different from all other plants because only they have _____.

a) a vascular system
b) flowers
c) a life cycle that involves alternation of generations
d) seeds
e) a sporophyte phase


Answer: B

The major difference between angiosperms and gymnosperms comes from the _____.

The major difference between angiosperms and gymnosperms comes from the _____.

a) presence or absence of vascular structures
b) dominance or lack of dominance of the sporophyte generation
c) production of microspores versus megaspores
d) presence or absence of alternation of generations
e) presence or absence of a protective covering over the ovule


Answer: E

Reptilian embryos are protected from desiccation by a leathery shell. Similarly, which pair of structures protects seed plants' embryos and male gametophytes, respectively, from desiccation?

Reptilian embryos are protected from desiccation by a leathery shell. Similarly, which pair of structures protects seed plants' embryos and male gametophytes, respectively, from desiccation?

a) ovules-waxy cuticle
b) integuments-sporopollenin
c) ovaries-filaments
d) fruits-stamens
e) pollen grains-waxy cuticle


Answer: B

Which of the following can be found in gymnosperms?

Which of the following can be found in gymnosperms?

a) fruits
b) pollen
c) triploid endosperm
d) nonfertile flower parts
e) carpels


Answer: B

Within a gymnosperm megasporangium, what is the correct sequence in which the following should appear during development, assuming that fertilization occurs?

Within a gymnosperm megasporangium, what is the correct sequence in which the following should appear during development, assuming that fertilization occurs?

1. sporophyte embryo
2. female gametophyte
3. egg cell
4. megaspore

a) 1 → 4 → 3 → 2
b) 1 → 4 → 2 → 3
c) 4 → 2 → 3 → 1
d) 4 → 1 → 2 → 3
e) 4 → 3 → 2 → 1


Answer: C

Which of the following statements is true of the pine life cycle?

Which of the following statements is true of the pine life cycle?

a) Conifer pollen grains contain male gametophytes.
b) Double fertilization is a relatively common phenomenon.
c) The pine tree is a gametophyte.
d) Male and female gametophytes are in close proximity during gamete synthesis.
e) Cones are homologous to the capsules of moss plants


Answer: A

Gymnosperms differ from both extinct and extant (living) ferns because they

Gymnosperms differ from both extinct and extant (living) ferns because they

a) are woody.
b) have macrophylls.
e) have spores.
d) have pollen.
e) have sporophylls.


Answer: D

In pine, the embryo develops within the _____.

In pine, the embryo develops within the _____.

a) female gametophyte
b) staminate cone
c) male gametophyte
d) macrogametophyte
e) microsporophyll


Answer: A

In gymnosperms megaspores develop into _____ .

In gymnosperms megaspores develop into _____ .

a) female gametophytes
b) ovulate cones
c) pollen grains
d) male gametophytes
e) female sporophytes


Answer: A

A researcher has developed two stains for use with seed plants. One stains sporophyte tissue blue; the other stains gametophyte tissue red. If the researcher exposes pollen grains to both stains, and then rinses away the excess stain, what should occur?

A researcher has developed two stains for use with seed plants. One stains sporophyte tissue blue; the other stains gametophyte tissue red. If the researcher exposes pollen grains to both stains, and then rinses away the excess stain, what should occur?

a) The pollen grains will be pure blue.
b) Insofar as the pollen grains are independent of the plant that produced them, they will not absorb either stain.
c) The pollen grains will have red interiors and blue exteriors.
d) The pollen grains will have blue interiors and red exteriors.
e) The pollen grains will be pure red.


Answer: C

Which of the following is most important in making the typical seed more resistant to adverse conditions than the typical spore?

Which of the following is most important in making the typical seed more resistant to adverse conditions than the typical spore?

a) waxy cuticle
b) ability to be dispersed
c) integument(s)
d) an internal reservoir of liquid water
e) a different type of sporopollenin


Answer: C

In terms of alternation of generations, the internal parts of the pollen grains of seed-producing plants are most similar to a

In terms of alternation of generations, the internal parts of the pollen grains of seed-producing plants are most similar to a

a) fern sporophyte.
b) moss sporophyte.
c) fern gametophyte bearing only antheridia.
d) hermaphroditic fern gametophyte.
e) moss gametophyte bearing both male and female gametangia.


Answer: C

Arrange the following in the correct sequence, from earliest to most recent, in which these plant traits originated.

Arrange the following in the correct sequence, from earliest to most recent, in which these plant traits originated.

1. sporophyte dominance, gametophyte independence
2. sporophyte dominance, gametophyte dependence
3. gametophyte dominance, sporophyte dependence

a) 2 → 3 → 1
b) 1 → 2 → 3
c) 2 → 1 → 3
d) 3 → 2 → 1
e) 3 → 1 → 2


Answer: E

In addition to seeds, which of the following characteristics is unique to the seed-producing plants?

In addition to seeds, which of the following characteristics is unique to the seed-producing plants?

a) sporopollenin
b) pollen
c) use of air currents as a dispersal agent
d) megaphylls
e) lignin present in cell walls


Answer: B

The seed coat's most important function is to provide

The seed coat's most important function is to provide

a) protection for the embryo.
b) the means for dispersal.
c) a nutrient supply for the embryo.
d) dormancy.
e) a nonstressful environment for the megasporangium.


Answer: A

Which group is noted for the independence of gametophyte and sporophyte generations from each other?

Which group is noted for the independence of gametophyte and sporophyte generations from each other?

a) angiosperms
b) gymnosperms
c) ferns
d) mosses, hornworts, and liverworts
e) charophytes


Answer: C

The adaptation that made possible the colonization of dry land environments by seed plants is most likely the result of the evolution of _____.

The adaptation that made possible the colonization of dry land environments by seed plants is most likely the result of the evolution of _____.

a) heterospory
b) ovules
c) cones
d) pollen
e) sporophylls


Answer: D

All seed plants _____.

All seed plants _____.

a) are heterosporous
b) produce flowers
c) are nonvascular
d) produce antheridia and archegonia on the same gametophyte
e) exhibit a dominant gametophyte generation


Answer: A

When you look at a pine or maple tree, the plant you see is a _____.

When you look at a pine or maple tree, the plant you see is a _____.

a) diploid gametophyte
b) diploid sporophyte
c) haploid gametophyte
d) triploid endosperm
e) haploid sporophyte


Answer: B

Select the correct statement about the life cycle of a fern.

Select the correct statement about the life cycle of a fern.

a) Plant sporophytes grow from haploid spores.
b) In ferns, meiosis results in the formation of egg and sperm cells.
c) Plant gametophytes are haploid multicellular bodies.


Answer: C

Select the correct statement contrasting gametophytes and sporophytes.

Select the correct statement contrasting gametophytes and sporophytes.

a) Sporophytes are larger than gametophytes.
b) Sporophytes are vascular, whereas gametophytes are nonvascular.
c) Sporophytes are diploid, whereas gametophytes are haploid.


Answer: C

Select the correct statement about plant life cycles.

Select the correct statement about plant life cycles.

a) Meiosis in plant life cycles is a sexual process, producing gametes.
b) Over evolutionary time, the sporophyte has replaced the gametophyte in plant life cycles.
c) At some point in the life cycle of all plants, the sporophyte is dependent on its gametophyte parent.


Answer: C

Select the correct statement about charophytes, a taxon of green algae.

Select the correct statement about charophytes, a taxon of green algae.

a) Living charophytes are the algal ancestors of land plants.
b) Charophytes and land plants share four distinctive traits.
c) Charophytes are embryophytes.


Answer: B

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 not be true?

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 not be true?

a) Individuals would probably compete more effectively for access to light.
b) Fertilization would probably be more difficult.
c) Spore dispersal distances would probably increase.
d) Females could produce only one archegonium.
e) Unless its body parts were strengthened, such a "tree" would probably flop over.


Answer: D

Which of the following is a land plant that has flagellated sperm and a sporophyte-dominated life cycle?

Which of the following is a land plant that has flagellated sperm and a sporophyte-dominated life cycle?

a) charophyte
b) moss
c) fern
d) liverwort
e) hornwort


Answer: C

Microphylls are found in which plant group?

Microphylls are found in which plant group?

a) ferns
b) liverworts
c) mosses
d) lycophytes
e) hornworts


Answer: D

In plants, which of the following are produced by meiosis?

In plants, which of the following are produced by meiosis?

a) diploid spores
b) haploid spores
c) haploid gametes
d) diploid gametes
e) haploid sporophytes


Answer: B

If humans had been present to build log structures during the Carboniferous period (they weren't), which plant types would have been suitable sources of logs?

If humans had been present to build log structures during the Carboniferous period (they weren't), which plant types would have been suitable sources of logs?

a) horsetails and bryophytes
b) whisk ferns and epiphytes
c) lycophytes and bryophytes
d) ferns, horsetails, and lycophytes
e) charophytes, bryophytes, and gymnosperms


Answer: D

Which of the following is true of seedless vascular plants?

Which of the following is true of seedless vascular plants?

a) Extant seedless vascular plants are larger than the extinct varieties.
b) They produce many spores, which are really the same as seeds.
c)Whole forests were dominated by large, seedless vascular plants during the Carboniferous period.
d)The gametophyte is the dominant generation.
e) Sphagnum is an economically and ecologically important example


Answer: C

Which of the following characteristics helped seedless plants better adapt to life on land?

Which of the following characteristics helped seedless plants better adapt to life on land?

a) photosystem II
b) a chitinous cuticle
c) an unbranched sporophyte
d) a dominant gametophyte
e) stomata


Answer: E

During the Carboniferous period, forests consisting mainly of _____ produced vast quantities of organic matter, which was buried and later became coal.

During the Carboniferous period, forests consisting mainly of _____ produced vast quantities of organic matter, which was buried and later became coal.

a) giant mosses
b) gymnosperms
c) ferns and other seedless plants
d) gymnosperms and early angiosperms
e) early angiosperms


Answer: C

What evolutionary development allowed plants to grow tall?

What evolutionary development allowed plants to grow tall?

a) lignified vascular tissue
b) the waxy cuticle
c) leaves
d) rhizoids
e) sporophylls


Answer: A

In contrast to bryophytes, in vascular plants the dominant stage of the life cycle is the _____.

In contrast to bryophytes, in vascular plants the dominant stage of the life cycle is the _____.

a) sporophyte
b) gametophyte
c) archegonium
d) spore
e) antheridium


Answer: A

Most bryophytes, such as mosses, differ from all other plants in that they _____.

Most bryophytes, such as mosses, differ from all other plants in that they _____.

a) have cones but no seeds
b) do not produce flowers
c) have flagellated sperm
d) lack true leaves and roots
e) produce spores


Answer: D

Arrange the following terms from most inclusive to least inclusive

Arrange the following terms from most inclusive to least inclusive

1. Embryophytes
2. green plants
3. seedless vascular plants
4. ferns
5. tracheophytes

a) 2,1,5,3,4
b) 1,2,5,3,4
c) 2,1,5,4,3
d) 1,4,2,5,3


Answer: A

Which event during the evolution of land plants probably made the synthesis of secondary compounds most beneficial?

Which event during the evolution of land plants probably made the synthesis of secondary compounds most beneficial?

a) the reverse-greenhouse effect during the Carboniferous period
b) the rise of wind pollination
c) the association of the roots of land plants with fungi
d) the rise of herbivory


Answer: D

Mitotic activity by the apical meristem of a root makes which of the following more possible?

Mitotic activity by the apical meristem of a root makes which of the following more possible?

a) increase of the aboveground stem
b) effective lateral growth of the stem
c) increased number of chloroplasts in roots
d) decreased absorption of mineral nutrients
e) increased absorption of CO2


Answer: A

In which of the following taxa does the mature sporophyte depend completely on the gametophyte for nutrition?

In which of the following taxa does the mature sporophyte depend completely on the gametophyte for nutrition?

a) Bryophyta
b) Pterophyta and Bryophyta
c) Pterophyta, Bryophyta, and horsetail
d) horsetail (Equisetum)
e) Pterophyta


Answer: A

Which of the following is true to the life cycle of mosses?

Which of the following is true to the life cycle of mosses?

a) the growing embryo gives rise to the gametophyte
b) the haploid generation grows on the sporophyte generation
c) the sporophyte generation is dominant
d) spores are primarily distributed by water currents
e) antheridia and archegonia are produced by gametophytes


Answer: E

The diploid generation of the plant life cycle always ______.

The diploid generation of the plant life cycle always ______.

a) is larger and more conspicuous than the haploid stage
b) develops from a spore
c) produces eggs and sperm
d) produces spores
e) is called the gametophyte


Answer: D

Which of the following traits was most important to enabling the first plants to move onto land?

Which of the following traits was most important to enabling the first plants to move onto land?

a) the development of sporopollenin to prevent the desiccation of zygotes
b) peroxisome enzymes that minimize losses from photorespiration
c) apical meristems
d) alternation of generations


Answer: A

Which taxon is essentially equivalent to the "embryophytes?"

Which taxon is essentially equivalent to the "embryophytes?"

a) Charophyceae
b) Bryophyta
c) Viridiplantae
d) Plantae
e) Pterophyta


Answer: D

The functional role of sporopollenin is primarily to

The functional role of sporopollenin is primarily to

a) provide nutrients to spores
b) make spores less dense and able to disperse more readily
c) reduce dehydration
d) repel toxic chemicals


Answer: C

Which of the following is a true statement about plant reproduction?

Which of the following is a true statement about plant reproduction?

a) eggs and sperm of byrophytes swim toward one another
b) bryophytes are limited to asexual reproduction
c) embryophytes are small because they are in an early developmental stage
d) both male and female bryophytes produce gametangia
e) gametangia protect gametes from excess water


Answer: D

The following are all adaptations in plants to life on land except

The following are all adaptations in plants to life on land except

a) tracheids
b) reduced gametophyte generation
c) rings of cellulose-synthesizing complexes
d) cuticles
e) multicellular, dependent embryos


Answer: C

Which of the following was NOT a challenge for survival of the first land plants?

Which of the following was NOT a challenge for survival of the first land plants?

a) sources of water
b) sperm transfer
d) desiccation
e) animal predation
f) lack of sunlight


Answer: E