The Evolution of Heterospory Occurred Independently Several Times in the Course

question 220

Multiple Choice

The evolution of heterospory occurred independently several times in the course of vascular plant evolution.Which statement best explains the possible selective advantages of heterospory in land plants?

• A) Consolidating male and female gametes on a single plant results in less energy wasted on specialized structures devoted to reproduction and ensures close proximity of gametes during mating.
• B) Separation of male and female gametophytes promotes greater genetic diversity of offspring while development of the egg is also no longer in direct competition for energy resources with development of the sperm.
• C) Consolidating male and female gametes on a single plant shortens generation times by reducing the distance sperm travel to fuse with the egg, thus allowing for faster rates of evolution.
• D) Separating male and female gametophytes reduces the risk of being eliminated by predation, increasing the chances for individuals to survive to reproductive maturity.
• E) There is no selective advantage to heterospory over homospory.

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