Which of the following is an example of a 'higher plant' ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 4, Ephedra, is the correct answer as an example of a 'higher plant.' Higher plants, also known as vascular plants, are characterized by having specialized tissues for conducting water and nutrients, namely xylem and phloem. These plants typically have well-defined structures such as roots, stems, and leaves.

1. **Explanation for Option 4 (Ephedra):**
   - Ephedra is a genus of gymnosperms, which are seed-producing plants. Gymnosperms are considered higher plants because they have vascular tissues and produce seeds. Ephedra, specifically, belongs to the division Gnetophyta, which is known for having advanced vascular systems similar to those of angiosperms (flowering plants). This makes Ephedra a clear example of a higher plant.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**

- **Option 1 (Horse tail plant):**
     - Horsetail plants belong to the genus Equisetum and are classified under the division Pteridophyta. While they are vascular plants, they do not produce seeds and are instead spore-producing. Although they have vascular tissues, they are not considered higher plants in the same sense as seed-producing plants like gymnosperms and angiosperms.

- **Option 2 (Lichen):**
     - Lichens are not plants at all; they are a symbiotic association between a fungus and a photosynthetic partner, usually algae or cyanobacteria. They lack the vascular tissues that characterize higher plants and do not fit into the plant kingdom as independent organisms.

- **Option 3 (Peziza):**
     - Peziza is a genus of fungi, specifically ascomycetes. Fungi are a separate kingdom from plants and do not possess vascular tissues, roots, stems, or leaves. Therefore, Peziza cannot be considered a higher plant.

In conclusion, Ephedra is the correct example of a higher plant due to its classification as a gymnosperm with advanced vascular tissues and seed production, distinguishing it from the other options provided.