12.2.3 12.5–12.7: The advent of the seed opened new worlds to plants.

A seed, which contains a multicellular embryo and a store of nutrients, is a way for plants to give their offspring a good start in life.

Question 12.17

Mosses and ferns differ from gymnosperms and angiosperms in their reproductive strategies in which of the following ways?

  • a) Mosses and ferns rely on liquid water for fertilization, whereas angiosperms and gymnosperms do not need liquid water for fertilization.
  • b) Mosses and ferns have much larger seeds than do angiosperms and gymnosperms.
  • c) Mosses and ferns use wind pollination, whereas angiosperms and gymnosperms use insects for pollination.
  • d) Mosses and ferns are primarily diploid in their adult (reproductive) form, whereas gymnosperms and angiosperms are primarily haploid.
  • e) Mosses and ferns are primarily haploid in their adult form, whereas gymnosperms and angiosperms are primarily diploid.

Question 12.18

Which of the following is characteristic of gymnosperms?

  • a) They are more diverse than the angiosperms.
  • b) They are wind-pollinated.
  • c) The gametophyte generation is dominant.
  • d) They are water-pollinated.
  • e) All of the above are correct.

Question 12.19

In terms of their adaptation to living on land, how are reptiles similar to the seed plants?

  • a) Both reptiles and seed plants became completely independent of water.
  • b) Reptiles eat plants.
  • c) Seed plants and reptiles have developed structures such as cuticles and impermeable skin to minimize desiccation.
  • d) Reptiles and seed plants have developed structures that house their gametes and protect them from the surrounding environment.
  • e) Both c) and d) are correct.

Question 12.20

Which of the following terms includes all of the others in the list?

  • a) angiosperm
  • b) fern
  • c) vascular plant
  • d) gymnosperm
  • e) seed plant

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