[Campbell Biology P.686] A significant evolutionary innovation in seed plants is the retenti... | Practice Question

A significant evolutionary innovation in seed plants is the retention of their tiny gametophytes within the sporangia of the parental sporophyte. What is the primary advantage of this arrangement?

  • A: It allows the gametophytes to become larger and more visible.
  • B: It makes the gametophytes independent of the sporophyte for nutrition.
  • C: It protects the gametophytes from environmental stresses like UV radiation and drying out.
  • D: It ensures that fertilization always requires a moist environment.
  • E: It transforms the sporophyte into a photosynthetic and free-living stage.

Explanation

The text explicitly states: 'Their tiny gametophytes can develop from spores retained within the sporangia of the parental sporophyte. This arrangement can protect the gametophytes from environmental stresses. For example, the moist reproductive tissues of the sporophyte shield the gametophytes from UV radiation and protect them from drying out.' This directly supports option C.