What is a correct evolutionary advancement of angiosperms over gymnosperms? a) Angiosperms are pollinated by various animals, gymnosperms are wind pollinated. b) Angiosperms have vascular tissue, gymnosperms do not. c) Angiosperms have protected seeds, gymnosperm do not. d) Angiosperms are not dependent on water for fertilization, gymnosperms are.

To determine the correct evolutionary advancement of angiosperms over gymnosperms, let's analyze each option: a) **Angiosperms are pollinated by various animals, gymnosperms are wind pollinated.** - This statement is generally true. Angiosperms often rely on animals (like insects, birds, etc.) for pollination, while many gymnosperms primarily use wind for pollination. This represents an evolutionary advancement in terms of reproductive strategies. b) **Angiosperms have vascular tissue, gymnosperms do not.** - This statement is incorrect. Both angiosperms and gymnosperms have vascular tissue. Therefore, this option does not represent an advancement. c) **Angiosperms have protected seeds, gymnosperms do not.** - This statement is misleading. Gymnosperms do have seeds, but they are not enclosed in an ovary (they are "naked" seeds). Angiosperms have seeds that are protected within a fruit. This is indeed an advancement, but the wording of the statement could be clearer. d) **Angiosperms are not dependent on water for fertilization, gymnosperms are.** - This statement is somewhat misleading. While angiosperms do not require water for sperm to swim to the egg (as they use pollen), gymnosperms also do not strictly depend on water for fertilization in the same way that some non-seed plants do. Therefore, this option does not accurately represent a clear advancement. Based on this analysis, the most accurate answer is: **a) Angiosperms are pollinated by various animals, gymnosperms are wind pollinated.** This option highlights a significant evolutionary advancement in the reproductive strategies of angiosperms compared to gymnosperms.