Today, charophytes found growing in the bottom of ponds have swimming sperm and
ID: 256298 • Letter: T
Question
Today, charophytes found growing in the bottom of ponds have swimming sperm and rhizoids rather than pollen and roots. In contrast, gymnosperms and angiosperms have pollen and roots. Evolution through natural selection suggests "survival of the fittes?", so why do we still find swimming sperm and rhizoids in charophytes today? OCharophytes occur in wet environments where swimming sperm and rhizoids do not limit reproduction or survival. This observation refutes evolution through natural selection, because pollen and roots allowed seed plants to flourish, so all charophytes should have gone extinct when the seed plants evolved. This observation refutes evolution through natural selection because charophytes are a diverse group and therefore successful. This observation supports evolution through natural selection because angiosperms are the most diverse group of plants and therefore more successful than charophytes Charophytes occur in cold environments where swimming sperm and rhizoids do not limit reproduction or survival.Explanation / Answer
Charophytes occur in wet or aquatic environment. The conditions inside the water are different than that found on land. Hence the plants living in respective enironments are fit to survive. The swimming sperms offer an advantage in water over the land , as they can move around easily to reach the female flower. The rhizoids offer flexibility and movement under constant water currents.The angiosperms and gymnosperms found on land, find the pollen and roots more suitable for terrestrial surface. Hence option A is the answer.