Question

Molecular phylogenies show all land plants are a monophyletic group. This suggests ________.

A) there were many different transitions from aquatic to terrestrial habitats
B) wind-pollinated plants arose first
C) land plants have undergone a diversification since they first colonized terrestrial habitats
D) there was a single transition from aquatic to terrestrial habitats

Answer 1

Answer:

D.  There was a single transition from aquatic to terrestrial habitats

Explanation:

Based on the molecular differences at the level of DNA sequence and inheritance, the molecular phylogenies show that all land plants are a monophyletic group. This is why it suggests a single transition from aquatic to terrestrial habitats occur.