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

Options

A. (a) chlorophyte ancestors
B. (b) rhynia type ancestors
C. (c) tracheophyte ancestors
D. (d) Zosterophyllum

Answer

To determine which ancestors are not involved in the evolution of lycopods, we need to analyze the evolutionary lineage of lycopods (Lycopodium) and the ancestors mentioned in the options. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

### Step 1: Understand Lycopods
Lycopods, also known as lycophytes or club mosses, are vascular plants that have true stems, roots, and leaves. They belong to the group of plants known as pteridophytes.

**Hint:** Remember that lycopods are vascular plants, which means they have a complex structure including xylem and phloem.

### Step 2: Identify the Ancestors
We need to evaluate each of the ancestors mentioned in the options:

1. **Chlorophyte Ancestors**: These are green algae and are considered the ancestors of bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) but not directly involved in the evolution of lycopods.

**Hint:** Think about the relationship between algae and land plants. Algae are not vascular plants.

2. **Rhynia Type Ancestors**: Rhynia is an early plant that is considered a part of the vascular plant lineage but does not have true roots, stems, or leaves. It is not a true vascular plant and thus is not involved in the evolution of lycopods.

**Hint:** Consider whether Rhynia has the characteristics of true vascular plants.

3. **Tracheophyte Ancestors**: Tracheophytes are essentially vascular plants, which include pteridophytes. Since lycopods are a type of pteridophyte, tracheophytes are involved in their evolution.

**Hint:** Remember that tracheophytes are a broader category that includes lycopods.

4. **Zosterophyllum Ancestors**: Zosterophyllum is also considered an early vascular plant and is related to the evolution of pteridophytes, including lycopods.

**Hint:** Think about how Zosterophyllum fits into the vascular plant lineage.

### Step 3: Conclusion
From the analysis:
- **Chlorophyte Ancestors** and **Rhynia Type Ancestors** are not involved in the evolution of lycopods.
- **Tracheophyte Ancestors** and **Zosterophyllum Ancestors** are involved in the evolution of lycopods.

Since the question asks for which ancestors are not involved, the correct answer is **Chlorophyte Ancestors** and **Rhynia Type Ancestors**. However, if we have to select one from the options, the most appropriate answer based on the context provided is **Rhynia Type Ancestors**.

### Final Answer
**B) Rhynia Type Ancestors** is the correct answer as they are not involved in the evolution of lycopods.