Marchantia is a bryophyte as it does not possess

Options

A. Vascular tissues
B. Seeds
C. Roots
D. Independent sporophyte.

Answer

To answer the question "Marchantia is a bryophyte as it does not possess," we need to analyze the characteristics of bryophytes and specifically Marchantia.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand Bryophytes**:
- Bryophytes are non-vascular plants. They are small, simple plants that do not have specialized tissues for transporting water and nutrients.
- Examples of bryophytes include liverworts (like Marchantia), mosses, and hornworts.

2. **Identify Key Characteristics**:
- Bryophytes lack vascular tissues (xylem and phloem) which are essential for the conduction of water and nutrients.
- They do not produce seeds or flowers; instead, they reproduce via spores.
- Bryophytes do not have true roots; they have structures called rhizoids that anchor them to the substrate but do not absorb water and nutrients like roots do.
- The sporophyte generation in bryophytes is dependent on the gametophyte generation for nutrition.

3. **Analyze the Options**:
- **A. Vascular tissue**: Correct. Bryophytes, including Marchantia, do not possess vascular tissues.
- **B. Seeds**: While bryophytes do not have seeds, this is not the primary characteristic that defines them as bryophytes.
- **C. Roots**: Bryophytes do not have true roots, but this is not the most distinguishing feature.
- **D. Independent sporophyte**: In bryophytes, the sporophyte is dependent on the gametophyte, which is a key characteristic.

4. **Conclusion**:
- The most distinguishing feature that classifies Marchantia as a bryophyte is the absence of vascular tissue. Therefore, the correct answer is **A. Vascular tissue**.

### Final Answer:
Marchantia is a bryophyte as it does not possess **vascular tissue**.