question: Why is the life cycle of plants so complex?
distractor3: asexual reproduction
distractor1: metamorphosis
distractor2: pollination process
correct_answer: alternation of generation
support: The life cycle of all plants is complex because it is characterized by alternation of generations. Plants alternate between diploid sporophyte and haploid gametophyte generations, and between sexual and asexual reproduction. The ability to reproduce both sexually and asexually gives plants the flexibility to adapt to changing environments. Their complex life cycle allows for great variation.