Big Bend National Park in Texas is mostly Chihuahuan desert, where rainfall averages about 10 inches per year. Yet, it is not uncommon when hiking in this bone-dry desert to encounter mosses and ferns. One such plant is called "flower of stone." It is not a flowering plant, nor does it produce seeds. Under arid conditions, its leaflike structures curl up. However, when it rains, it unfurls its leaves, which form a bright green rosette on the desert floor. Consequently, it is sometimes called the "resurrection plant." At first glance, it could be a fern, a true moss, or a spike moss.

What feature of both true mosses and ferns makes it MOST surprising that they can survive for many generations in dry deserts?

A. lack of cuticle
B. a gametophyte generation that is dominant
C. flagellated sperm
D. lack of true roots

There is no similarity seen in the ferns and mosses but biologically they have similarities. Both the plants are very primitive in nature and reproduce via sexual reproduction.

They cohabit with each other in moist and shady places. They produce motile sperm which swim through water ad reaches the egg. This is reason they are found in damp places.

Their ability of producing flagellated sperm makes them successful for their survival and called as resurrent plant. They have the ability to survive complete desiccation and grow as soon as they get favorable condition. They also have alternation of generation which also helps in its survival.