Use the Following Information to Answer the Question

question 22

Multiple Choice

Use the following information to answer the question.
Big Bend National Park in Texas is mostly Chihuahuan desert, where rainfall averages about 25 centimeters per year. Yet, it is not uncommon when hiking in this extremely arid zone to encounter mosses and ferns. One such plant is called "flower of stone." It is not a flowering plant, nor does it produce seeds. Under arid conditions, its leaflike structures curl up. However, when it rains, it unfurls its leaves, which form a bright green rosette on the desert floor. Consequently, it is sometimes called the "resurrection plant." At first glance, it could be a fern, a true moss, or a spike moss.
Upon closer inspection of the leaves of "flower of stone," one can observe tiny, cone-like structures. Each cone-like structure emits spores of two different sizes. Further investigation also reveals that the roots of "flower of stone" branch only at the growing tip of the root, forming a Y-shaped structure. Consequently, "flower of stone" should be expected to possess which other characteristics?

• A) a gametophyte generation that is dominant and lignified vascular tissues
• B) a gametophyte generation that is dominant and spores that are diploid when mature
• C) lignified vascular tissues and microphylls
• D) microphylls, filamentous rhizoids, but not true roots, and spores that are diploid when mature

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Definitions:

Integration

The process in which people maintain their own culture while simultaneously seeking to adapt and incorporate the majority culture.

Academic Performance

The measurement of a student's or group of students' achievements in their educational pursuits, often assessed through grades, tests, and other criteria.

Optimal Level

The state in which something is at its best or most favorable condition, performance, or efficiency.