Which of the following statements, support the view that elaborate sexual reproductive process appeared much later in the organic evolution ?
(i) Lower groups of organisms have simpler body design.
(ii) Asexual reproduction is common in lower groups.
(iii) Asexual reproduction is common in higher groups of organisms.
(iv) The high incidence of sexual reproduction in angiosperms and vertebrates.
Choose the correct answer given below.

Options

A. (i), (ii) and (iii)
B. (i), (iii) and (iv)
C. (i), (ii) and (iv)
D. (ii), (iii) and (iv)

Answer

To determine which statements support the view that elaborate sexual reproductive processes appeared much later in organic evolution, we can analyze each statement one by one.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Statement (i): Lower groups of organisms have simpler body design.**
- This statement is true. Lower groups of organisms, such as unicellular organisms and simple multicellular organisms, typically exhibit simpler body structures. This simplicity suggests that complex reproductive processes, such as sexual reproduction, may not have been necessary or evolved yet.

2. **Statement (ii): Asexual reproduction is common in lower groups.**
- This statement is also true. Many lower organisms, such as bacteria and some protists, primarily reproduce asexually. Asexual reproduction is simpler and more efficient for these organisms, allowing them to rapidly increase their population without the need for complex mating processes.

3. **Statement (iii): Asexual reproduction is common in higher groups of organisms.**
- This statement is false. Higher groups of organisms, such as mammals, birds, and flowering plants (angiosperms), predominantly reproduce sexually. While some higher organisms can reproduce asexually (e.g., certain plants), sexual reproduction is more common and complex in these groups.

4. **Statement (iv): The high incidence of sexual reproduction in angiosperms and vertebrates.**
- This statement is true. Angiosperms (flowering plants) and vertebrates are examples of higher organisms that predominantly reproduce sexually. This indicates that sexual reproduction has evolved as a more complex and sophisticated method of reproduction in these groups.

### Conclusion:
Based on the analysis:
- Statements (i), (ii), and (iv) support the view that elaborate sexual reproductive processes appeared much later in organic evolution.
- Statement (iii) does not support this view.

Therefore, the correct answer is **1, 2 & 4**.