Which of these ancestors are not involved in the evolution of lycopods /

Options

A. chlorophyte ancestors
B. rhynia type ancestors
C. tracheophyte ancestors
D. Zosterophyllum

Answer

To determine which of the given ancestors is not involved in the evolution of lycopods, we can analyze each option based on their evolutionary significance:

1. **Chlorophyte Ancestors**:
- Chlorophytes are green algae that are considered ancestors of land plants. They played a crucial role in the evolution of bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) and subsequently pteridophytes (ferns and their relatives), including lycopods. Therefore, chlorophytes are involved in the evolution of lycopods.

2. **Rhinia Type Ancestors**:
- Rhinia is a genus of early vascular plants that is not directly related to the lineage that led to lycopods. Instead, it represents a separate evolutionary branch of vascular plants. Thus, Rhinia type ancestors are not involved in the evolution of lycopods.

3. **Tracheophyte Ancestors**:
- Tracheophytes are vascular plants that include lycopods, ferns, and seed plants. They are considered a significant part of the evolutionary history of lycopods, as they share a common ancestor. Therefore, tracheophyte ancestors are involved in the evolution of lycopods.

4. **Zosterophyllum**:
- Zosterophyllum is an early vascular plant that is considered an ancestor of modern vascular plants, including lycopods. Thus, Zosterophyllum is also involved in the evolution of lycopods.

Based on this analysis, the ancestor that is not involved in the evolution of lycopods is the **Rhinia type ancestor**.

**Final Answer**: Rhinia type ancestor (second option).