Nonvascular plants have never evolved to the size of vascular plants, most likely because they lack Select one: a. a photosynthetic mechanism. b. an efficient mode of respiration. c. an efficient system for conducting water and minerals. d. nutrient and water absorption mechanisms. e. They lack all of these choices.

The correct answer is c. an efficient system for conducting water and minerals.

Explanation:

Non-vascular plants lack the internal tubes or vessels that carry water and minerals or nutrients through the entire plant. Most of them are found in humid or submerged places, since this type of environment allows them to absorb water through the surface of their tissues. Non-vascular plants do not grow very tall due to the lack of structures normally associated with vascular plants. Non-vascular plants lack specialized vascular tissue (xylem and phloem) for conduction and internal support of water and food. Metabolites and other nutrients are transferred between and within cells by osmosis, diffusion, and cytoplasmic flow.