Question

corn plants and lilies have more similarities in their leaves than corn plants and potato plants have. unlike potato plants, corn plants and lilies both have leaves with parallel veins. this piece of evidence supports the following claim: corn plants share a more recent common ancestor with lilies than with potato plants. which additional piece of evidence best supports the same claim? corn seeds have a single cotyledon, or embryonic leaf, that stays underground when the seed sprouts. lily seeds have a single cotyledon that stays underground or sprouts above ground, depending on the species. potato seeds have two cotyledons. corn plants perform a type of photosynthesis called c4 photosynthesis, which conserves water in hot, dry environments. lilies and potato plants perform the more common c3 photosynthesis. corn plants have been selectively bred to produce larger, more numerous seed kernels for food. lilies have been selectively bred to produce a variety of flower shapes, colors, and fragrances. potatoes have been selectively bred to produce larger, less bitter tubers for food.

Explanation:

• First option: Corn and lilies both have one cotyledon (monocots), while potatoes have two (dicots). This is a significant botanical characteristic that indicates a closer evolutionary relationship.
• Second option: The photosynthesis type (C4 vs. C3) is not as strong an indicator of a recent common ancestor as the cotyledon number.
• Third option: Selective breeding for different traits (food - related for corn and potatoes, flower - related for lilies) is a human - induced process and not related to evolutionary ancestry.

Answer:

Corn seeds have a single cotyledon, or embryonic leaf, that stays underground when the seed sprouts. Lily seeds have a single cotyledon that stays underground or sprouts above ground, depending on the species. Potato seeds have two cotyledons.