[Campbell Biology P.679] Based on the provided text, which of the following represents a key... | Practice Question

Based on the provided text, which of the following represents a key evolutionary advantage gained by vascular plants due to the development of lignified vascular tissue?

  • A: It primarily led to the evolution of rhizoids for enhanced water absorption.
  • B: It enabled them to grow taller, compete for sunlight more effectively, and achieve wider spore dispersal.
  • C: It directly caused the gametophyte generation to become physically larger and more complex.
  • D: It restricted their habitat to only very wet, swampy environments.

Explanation

The text explicitly states that lignified vascular tissue "helped enable vascular plants to grow tall," providing "support against gravity" and allowing "transport water and mineral nutrients high above the ground." It also mentions that "Tall plants could also outcompete short plants for access to the sunlight" and "the spores of tall plants could disperse farther," enabling "tall species to colonize new environments more rapidly." These points directly support option B.