Molecular Phylogenies Show All Land Plants are a Monophyletic Group

Question

Molecular phylogenies show all land plants are a monophyletic group. This suggests that
A) wind- pollinated plants arose first.
B) there was a single transition from aquatic to terrestrial habitats.
C) land plants have undergone a diversification since they first colonized terrestrial habitats.
D) there were many different transitions from aquatic to terrestrial habitats.

Accepted Answer

The fact that all land plants are a monophyletic group (meaning they share a common ancestor) suggests that there was a single transition from aquatic (water-based) to terrestrial (land-based) habitats. This is supported by both molecular and fossil evidence.