In most plants the largest, longest-lived body is a diploid sporophyte. By one hypothesis, diploid dominance was favored because it allowed a greater level of genetic diversity. Suppose that a recessive mutation arises. It is mildly disadvantageous now, but it will be useful in some future environment. Explain why such a mutation would be more likely to persist in a fern than in a moss.

Biology (MindTap Course List)
11th Edition
ISBN:9781337392938
Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
Publisher:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
Chapter27: Seedless Plants
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 2TYU: Which of the following is not a characteristic of plants? (a) cuticle (b) unicellular gametangia (c)...
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 In most plants the largest, longest-lived body is a diploid sporophyte. By one hypothesis, diploid dominance was favored because it allowed a greater level of genetic diversity. Suppose that a recessive mutation arises. It is mildly disadvantageous now, but it will be useful in some future environment. Explain why such a mutation would be more likely to persist in a fern than in a moss.

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