Q.70 Non-vascular land plants are called:
1. Pteridophytes
2. Gymnosperms
3. Angiosperms
4. Bryophytes
Non-vascular land plants, lacking xylem and phloem for water/nutrient transport, are called bryophytes (mosses, liverworts, hornworts).
Correct Answer: 4. Bryophytes
Bryophytes are the simplest terrestrial plants, anchored by rhizoids (not true roots) and limited to moist habitats due to diffusion-based water absorption. Their gametophyte-dominant life cycle and absence of vascular tissue distinguish them as evolutionary precursors to vascular plants.
Plant Classification Overview
Non-vascular: Bryophytes (small, moist-dependent).
Vascular seedless: Pteridophytes (ferns).
Vascular seeded: Gymnosperms (naked seeds), Angiosperms (flowers/fruits).
Explanation of All Options
| Option | Vascular? | Description | Correct for Non-vascular Land Plants? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Pteridophytes | Yes | Ferns; true vascular tissue, spores. | No: Seedless vascular plants. |
| 2. Gymnosperms | Yes | Conifers; vascular, naked seeds. | No: Woody vascular plants. |
| 3. Angiosperms | Yes | Flowering plants; vascular, fruits. | No: Most advanced vascular plants. |
| 4. Bryophytes | No | Mosses/liverworts/hornworts; rhizoids only. | Yes: True non-vascular land plants. |
