Answer: Tracheophytes.
- A Thallophytes
- B Bryophytes
- C Cryptogams
- D Tracheophytes
Correct answer: D. Tracheophytes
Explanation: Plants with true vascular tissue (xylem and phloem) - pteridophytes, gymnosperms and angiosperms - are collectively the tracheophytes.
Plants evolved from water-dependent algae through increasingly land-adapted groups, gaining vascular tissue (Pteridophyta), then seeds (Gymnosperms), and finally fruit-enclosed seeds (Angiosperms) - each step reducing dependence on water for reproduction.
Concept context
Classification of plants from algae to angiosperms. Understanding plant diversity is essential for NEET.