[Campbell Biology P.671] Which of the following is the primary distinguishing characteristic... | Practice Question

Which of the following is the primary distinguishing characteristic of "vascular plants" as described in the text?

  • A: They produce seeds.
  • B: They have an extensive system of vascular tissue for transport.
  • C: They are exclusively flowering plants.
  • D: They belong to a monophyletic group known as bryophytes.

Explanation

The text states, "One way to distinguish groups of plants is whether or not they have an extensive system of vascular tissue, cells joined into tubes that transport water and nutrients throughout the plant body. Most present-day plants have a complex vascular tissue system and are therefore called vascular plants." This directly indicates that an extensive vascular tissue system is the primary distinguishing feature.