Question

Which of the following characteristics is (are) possessed in common by true mosses, ferns, and spike mosses, and therefore becomes useless at helping to determine to which of these groups flower of stone belongs? 1. a sporophyte generation that is dominant 2. true leaves and roots 3. flagellated sperm 4. alternation of generations

Answer 1

4. alternation of generations

Step-by-step explanation:

The attribute that is common to true mosses, ferns, and spike mosses is the switch in their life cycles between the diploid generation and haploid generation, a process known as alternation of generation.

Mosses, ferns and spike mosses are able to reproduce sexually through alternation of generation.

The haploid male and female gametophytes fuse together during fertilization to give a diploid zygote which divides through mitosis to give a diploid sporophyte. The reproductive cells of a mature sporophyte divides to give rise to haploid gametes or gametophytes and the cycle continues.

The correct option is option 4.