Question
Why are bryophytes typically so small? Choose all correct answers Because they are lacking xylem and phloem Because their way of moving water (cell to cell diffusion) is insufficient to service a large plant body Because they lack enforced cells or tissue to keep them upright beyond a small maximum size Because the habitats they live in do not support large plant sizes
Solution
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Dalia
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Answer
The correct answer is **Because their way of moving water (cell to cell diffusion) is insufficient to service a large plant body.**Bryophytes lack a vascular system, meaning they don't have the specialized tissues xylem and phloem that transport water and nutrients efficiently throughout larger plants. Relying on slow cell-to-cell diffusion limits their size because it cannot supply water and nutrients quickly enough to support a large plant body. Essentially, the further away cells are from the source of water, the longer it takes for them to receive it via diffusion. This makes it difficult for bryophytes to grow tall or spread wide.