How might the adaptation of specialized water-conducting tissue have helped land plants meet challenges to life on land?

Question

Victoria Angeli · Accepted Answer

Water conducting tissues solve the problem of moving water from where it is available (in the soil) to where it is needed.

Since the earliest plants were tiny and aquatic—that is, surrounded by water—moving water inside the plant was not an issue for them. Upon the onset of plant colonization, a number of issues needed to be resolved. These included There was also competition for light: being taller than the surrounding plants would help you get a better supply of light, but the longer the water needs to be moved, the taller you get. Xylem, a tissue made up of long, empty cells with openings in their end walls and thick side walls that help keep the plant upright, is the answer to this issue. The long cells with openings in their end walls facilitate easier water flow.

Maya Anderson · Answer

undefined Land plants can overcome obstacles like dehydration and poor nutrient uptake with the help of specialized water-conducting tissue like xylem and phloem, which improves nutrient and water transport.