Practice question

Tracheophytes including pteridophytes, gymnosperms and angiosperms all contain lignified xylem tracheary elements with bordered pits facilitating efficient long-distance water transport under negative pressure and structural support enabling tall upright growth independent of turgor. Nonvascular plants lack true lignified xylem and phloem, instead possess hydroids lacking lignin and leptoids for conduction plus external capillary action, limiting size to few centimeters. Bryophytes constitute sole recognized extant group occupying nonvascular grade. Classifying bryophytes as nonvascular aligns with morphology, life cycle dominance, and molecular phylogeny distinguishing basal land plants.