Question

bryophytes represent one of the earliest lineages of land plants. the word comes from bryo-, meaning \moss,\ and -phyte, meaning \plant.\ not all bryophytes are mosses, but mosses are one of the most recognized groups of bryophytes.

bryophytes are usually found in areas that are very wet or damp at least part of the year. which of the following statements describes characteristics of bryophytes that make them dependent on water? check all that apply.

they have swimming sperm that need water so they can swim to fertilize the eggs of other nearby plants.
they do not have lignin-stiffened vascular tissue or roots to effectively distribute water throughout the plant.
some species are able to reproduce asexually through fragmentation.

Explanation:

Analyze the reproductive requirements

Using the Bryophyte Life Cycle knowledge point, we know that bryophytes produce flagellated sperm that must physically swim through a film of water to reach and fertilize the egg. This directly makes their sexual reproduction dependent on wet or damp environments.

Analyze structural limitations

Using the Moss Anatomy knowledge point, we know that bryophytes are nonvascular plants. They lack specialized vascular tissues (xylem and phloem) stiffened by lignin, as well as true roots. Without these structures, they cannot transport water over long distances or absorb it from deep underground, restricting them to moist habitats where they can absorb water directly through their surfaces.

Evaluate asexual reproduction

Asexual reproduction through fragmentation allows bryophytes to propagate without water. While they still need water to survive, fragmentation itself is not a mechanism that creates a physiological or reproductive dependence on water in the way swimming sperm or lack of vascular tissue does. Therefore, this statement does not describe why they are dependent on water.

Answer:

• They have swimming sperm that need water so they can swim to fertilize the eggs of other nearby plants (Correct answer)
• They do not have lignin-stiffened vascular tissue or roots to effectively distribute water throughout the plant (Correct answer)
• Some species are able to reproduce asexually through fragmentation