Question

Which one of the following options shows the correct evolutionary order of the plants mentioned below?

• A. Ferns
• B. (i), (iii), (ii), (iv)
• C. (iii), (i), (ii), (iv)
• D. (i), (ii), (iii), (iv)

Hint:

In evolutionary terms, the earliest plants like Zosterophyllum evolved before ferns, which were followed by the gymnosperms such as Ginkgo, and later the more advanced Gnetales.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the evolutionary order of plants:
- Zosterophyllum: This is one of the earliest vascular plants and is considered to be the most primitive among the options. It lived during the Silurian period and is part of the group of extinct plants called zosterophylls.
- Ferns: Ferns are one of the oldest surviving plant groups and are part of the Pteridophytes. They evolved after Zosterophyllum and possess true vascular tissue.
- Ginkgo: Ginkgo is a gymnosperm, which is an ancient group of seed-producing plants that evolved after ferns and are more advanced in the evolutionary tree.
- Gnetales: Gnetales are a group of gymnosperms and are more advanced than Ginkgo. They represent a further evolutionary step in the development of seed plants.
Step 2: Arranging the plants in evolutionary order:
- The correct evolutionary order is:
- Zosterophyllum (the most primitive) → Ferns → Ginkgo → Gnetales.
Thus, the correct evolutionary order is (iii), (i), (ii), (iv).
Step 3: Conclusion:
The correct answer is option (B) (iii), (i), (ii), (iv).