Question

which plant groups possess true roots and form seeds?
ferns and mosses
cycads and conifers
monocots and dicots
ginkgos and gnetophytes

Explanation:

Step1: Check for vascular tissue (Step 1 in the cladogram)

All the plant groups in the options (ferns, mosses, cycads, conifers, monocots, dicots, ginkgos, gnetophytes) except mosses have vascular tissue (mosses are at the 'no' branch for vascular tissue).

Step2: Check for roots (Step 2 in the cladogram)

Ferns have roots (yes branch), mosses don't (no branch).

Step3: Check for seed formation (Step 3 in the cladogram)

Ferns don't form seeds (no branch). Cycads, conifers, monocots, dicots, ginkgos, gnetophytes form seeds (yes branch).

Step4: Check the options

• Ferns and mosses: Ferns have roots but no seeds, mosses have no roots.
• Cycads and conifers: Have roots (yes at Step 2) and form seeds (yes at Step 3).
• Monocots and dicots: Have roots and form seeds, but the question is about the most direct group from the cladogram structure. Cycads and conifers are at an earlier branching for seed - forming plants with roots.
• Ginkgos and gnetophytes: Have seeds but the cladogram shows cycads and conifers as a more basal group for seed - forming plants with roots.

Answer:

cycads and conifers