[Campbell Biology P.688] According to the passage, which of the following is NOT described a... | Practice Question

According to the passage, which of the following is NOT described as an advantage of seeds over spores?

  • A: Seeds are multicellular and contain a sporophyte embryo, whereas spores are typically single-celled.
  • B: Seeds contain a stored food supply to support the embryo's initial growth, which spores lack.
  • C: Seeds can remain dormant for extended periods (days, months, or years), allowing them to survive unfavorable conditions.
  • D: Seeds are generally smaller and lighter, allowing for more widespread dispersal by wind or animals over greater distances than spores.

Explanation

The passage describes seeds as being carried 'long distances up to hundreds of kilometers by wind or animals,' and states that spores' 'tiny size enables the spores to be dispersed in a dormant state to a new area.' The text does not explicitly state that seeds are smaller and lighter or allow for more widespread dispersal than spores. In fact, spores are often highlighted for their minute size and extensive wind dispersal. Therefore, this specific comparison about size/weight leading to more widespread dispersal for seeds over spores is not supported by the text and can be misleading, especially given moss spores are described as 'tiny'.