[Campbell Biology P.699] Which of the following statements about basal angiosperms is FALSE? | Practice Question

Which of the following statements about basal angiosperms is FALSE?

  • A: They represent the earliest diverging lineages of angiosperms.
  • B: Amborella trichopoda is considered the sole survivor of the first lineage to diverge.
  • C: Water lilies belong to a clade that diverged later than the Amborella lineage.
  • D: The group consists of roughly 8,500 species, including magnolias.

Explanation

The text states that basal angiosperms consist of about 100 species, and Amborella trichopoda represents the first lineage. Water lilies belong to a later diverging clade. The figure of 8,500 species and the mention of magnolias refer to Magnoliids, not basal angiosperms.