Which of the following is not a trend followed during the evolutionary history of land plants?

Options

A. Absence of seeds to presence of seeds
B. Independent gametophyte to dependent gametophyte
C. Non-flowering to flowering
D. Dominance of sporophytic generation to dominance of
gametophytic generation

Explanation

To determine which of the following is not a trend followed during the evolutionary history of land plants, we will analyze each option provided:

1. **Absence of seeds to presence of seeds**:
- Early plants, such as algae, did not produce seeds. Over time, plants evolved to produce seeds, marking a significant evolutionary trend. This trend is indeed followed in the history of land plants.

2. **Independent gametophyte to dependent gametophyte**:
- In earlier plant forms, the gametophyte generation was independent and could survive on its own. However, as plants evolved, the gametophyte became more dependent on the sporophyte for nutrition and support, particularly in flowering plants. This trend is also followed in the evolutionary history of land plants.

3. **Non-flowering plants to flowering plants**:
- The evolution of plants has seen a transition from non-flowering plants (like ferns and gymnosperms) to flowering plants (angiosperms). This is a recognized trend in plant evolution.

4. **Dominance of sporophytic generation to dominance of gametophytic generation**:
- In the evolutionary history of plants, there has been a shift from a dominance of the gametophyte generation (as seen in bryophytes) to a dominance of the sporophyte generation (as seen in angiosperms). This trend indicates that the sporophyte generation has become more prominent in the life cycles of most modern plants. Therefore, this option does not reflect a trend followed in the evolutionary history of land plants.

Based on the analysis of each option, the correct answer to the question is:

**Dominance of sporophytic generation to dominance of gametophytic generation** is not a trend followed during the evolutionary history of land plants.