Question

Which one of the following options shows the correct evolutionary order of the plants mentioned below?
(i) Ferns (ii) Ginkgo (iii) Zosterophyllum (iv) Gnetales
Choose the correct option.

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

Hint:

When determining the evolutionary order of plants, consider their first appearance in the fossil record, from oldest to most recent.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Zosterophyllum (iii) is one of the earliest land plants, appearing around 420 million years ago during the Silurian period.
Step 2: Ferns (i) evolved later, around 360 million years ago during the Devonian period.
Step 3: Ginkgo (ii) appeared around 270 million years ago in the Permian period, and Gnetales (iv) are more recent, evolving around 150 million years ago in the Mesozoic era.
Thus, the correct evolutionary order is (iii) Zosterophyllum, (i) Ferns, (ii) Ginkgo, (iv) Gnetales.