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: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)
4th Edition
ISBN:9781305389892
Author:Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillan
Chapter29: Seed Plants
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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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