Question

What were the major obstacles for the first plants on land?

Name 3 benefits for the first plants on land.

Answer 1

• The obstacles for plants are

1. The potential for desiccation: It is basically the ability of the plant to equilibrate its internal water potential with that of moderately dry air, and then resume normal function till it gets rehydrated or the ability to withstand in a drought-like condition.
2. Mutagenic radiation from the sun: Plants use sunlight for the process of photosynthesis and they are also exposed to the ultraviolet radiation that includes UV-B and UV-C which is mutagenic in nature.
3. A lack of buoyancy from the water: Due to the lack of buoyancy from the water, the plant needs support to lift itself whereas in the water due to the buoyant force the plant is lifted by the water itself.

• Three benefits for the first plants on land are

1. Sunlight is brighter so the plants get enough sunlight for the photosynthesis process to make their own food.
2. The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere more than in the ocean.
3. The soil is rich in minerals and nutrients.

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