Question

Which one of the following options shows the correct evolutionary order of the plants mentioned below?
(i) Fern
(ii) Ginkgo
(iii) Zostrophyllum
(iv) Gnetales

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

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

Plant Groups and Evolutionary Order:

Zostrophyllum:

Zostrophyllum: An extinct group from the Devonian period, considered among the earliest vascular plants. Ancestral to ferns and other vascular plants.

Fern (Pteridophytes):

Ferns: Vascular plants appearing in the Carboniferous period. Evolved from early vascular plants like Zostrophyllum, representing an early modern land plant group.

Ginkgo:

Ginkgo: A gymnosperm (seed-bearing, non-flowering) that emerged in the Permian period. A living fossil, as the sole surviving member of its group.

Gnetales:

Gnetales: Another group of gymnosperms, evolving after Ginkgo. Exhibits traits closer to angiosperms (flowering plants).

Correct Evolutionary Order:

Zostrophyllum – Earliest vascular plants.

Fern – Vascular plants, descended from early vascular plants.

Ginkgo – Gymnosperms, evolved post-ferns.

Gnetales – Later evolving gymnosperms.

Answer: The correct evolutionary order of the plants is:

Zostrophyllum

Fern

Ginkgo

Gnetales