AP Biology : Classes of Plant

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Understanding Alternation Of Generations

Fill in the blanks.

The __________ generation is dominant in the bryophyte life cycles, and the __________ generation is dominant in seedless vascular plants.

Possible Answers:

sporophyte . . . sporophyte

gametophyte . . . sporophyte

gametophyte . . . gametophyte

sporophyte . . . gametophyte

Correct answer:

gametophyte . . . sporophyte

Explanation:

Bryophytes are nonvascular plants, such as mosses. Gametophytes are species that have haploid cells during their mature lives, while sporophytes are predominantly diploid during their adult phases.

Bryophytes have the gametophyte generation as dominant, with the sporophytes relying on the parental gametophyte. Starting with the evolution of seedless vascular plants, the gametophytes become reduced and are no longer the dominant life cycle. By the formation of angiosperms (seed plants), the gametophytes have become dependent on the parental sporophyte. 

Example Question #1 : Classes Of Plant

Which of the following structures would be found in a tracheophyte, but not in a bryophyte?

Possible Answers:

Xylem

Chloroplasts

Plasmids

Cell walls

Correct answer:

Xylem

Explanation:

All plants can be classified as either bryophytes or tracheophytes. Plants that contain transport vessels (xylem and phloem) are tracheophytes, while those without transport vessels are bryophytes. All plants contain cell walls and chloroplasts, but only a tracheophyte would contain xylem. Plasmids are structures that are almost exclusively found in bacteria or protozoans.

Example Question #1 : Plant Biology

Which of the following is not an example of an advantage gained through the vascularization of plants?

Possible Answers:

Large size

Swimming sperm

Dominant sporophyte generation

Larger photosynthetic area

Extensive root and shoot systems

Correct answer:

Swimming sperm

Explanation:

Swimming sperm is a feature of avascular and early vascular plants, who needed to remain in moist environments in order to retain water. 

After gaining vascular systems, plants were able to circulate water and nutrients more efficiently, thus being able to grow larger, have more leaves, develop branched systems of roots and shoots to collect water and nutrients, and better dispersal of spores due to gains in size. 

Example Question #1 : Understanding Vascular And Avascular Plants

Which of the following best describes the pith: a tissue type present in vascular plants?

Possible Answers:

It is a tissue in non-vascular plants that transports nutrients throughout the plant

It contains no parenchyma cells

Pith is located in leaves

It is a tissue in vascular plants that transports nutrients throughout the plant

Correct answer:

It is a tissue in vascular plants that transports nutrients throughout the plant

Explanation:

Pith is a type of tissue located in the stems of vascular plants. It stores and transports nutrients throughout the plant. The pith is composed of parenchyma cells.

Example Question #1 : Classes Of Plant

What is the female reproductive structure in angiosperms?

Possible Answers:

Integument

Petal

Pistil

Stamen

Pollen

Correct answer:

Pistil

Explanation:

Angiosperms are flowering plants. They have both male and female reproductive organs.

The pistil is the female reproductive structure, and consists of three parts. The stigma is the sticky knob used to catch pollen. It is situated at the top of the style, while the ovary contains egg cells and is located below the style. 

The stamen is the male reproductive structure, and consists of two parts. The anther produces pollen, and the filament helps in holding up the anther.

Example Question #2 : Classes Of Plant

Which of the following is a quality that distinguishes angiosperms from other plants?

Possible Answers:

Angiosperms have true flowers

Angiosperms produce spores

Angiosperms are able to reproduce vegetatively

Angiosperms have true roots

Angiosperms are able to survive in aquatic environments

Correct answer:

Angiosperms have true flowers

Explanation:

The production of a true flower is one of the defining characteristics of an angiosperm. In fact, angiosperms are also called "flowering plants." Groups of plants that are not angiosperms (think ferns, ginkgos, or pine trees) can have roots and spores and are able to survive in aquatic environments and reproduce vegetative.

Example Question #3 : Classes Of Plant

Which of the following is not a difference between monocots and dicots?

Possible Answers:

Monocot embryos have one cotyledon where dicot embryos' have two cotyledons

Dicots have a true flower whereas monocots do not

Monocot veins are parallel whereas dicot veins are branched

Dicots can have secondary (radial, horizontal) growth whereas monocots cannot

The vascular bundle tissue of monocots is arranged in a ring whereas in dicots the vascular bundle tissue has no particular pattern

Correct answer:

Dicots have a true flower whereas monocots do not

Explanation:

Both monocots and dicots are angiosperms which means that they both have true flowers. All of the other answer choices are true differences between monocots and dicots.

Example Question #2 : Understanding Angiosperms

Which of the following traits are specific to angiosperms?

Possible Answers:

Endosperm

All of these

Flowers

Fruit production

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

Angiosperms are a class of land plant that produces seeds. Angiosperms can be distinguished from gymnosperms by characteristics that include flowers, the presence of endosperm, and fruit production.

Example Question #3 : Understanding Angiosperms

Which of the following is true regarding seed development in angiosperms?

Possible Answers:

Seeds are "naked" and not enclosed in an ovary

They often exist in cone form

Seeds are enclosed within the ovary

Seeds develop on leaves or scales

Correct answer:

Seeds are enclosed within the ovary

Explanation:

Angiosperm seeds are enclosed within ovaries, which prevent self-fertilization and allow for selective pollination.

Example Question #4 : Understanding Angiosperms

Which of the following is not a trait of angiosperms?

Possible Answers:

Reduced gametophyte stage

Endosperm

Unenclosed seeds 

Flowering organs

Correct answer:

Unenclosed seeds 

Explanation:

Angiosperms have certain characteristics that distinguish them from gymnosperms including flowering organs, endosperm, and a reduced gametophyte stage. Additionally, angiosperms possess closed seeds that are surrounded by the ovary.

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