What do cuticles do for land plants that was not necessary for ancestors that lived in water?

Question

1.Cuticles allow them to grow bigger and taller.
2.Cuticles help them transport water.
3.Cuticles help prevent water loss.
4.Cuticles allow the performance of photosynthesis.

Answer 1

The primary function of cuticles in land plants that was not necessary for their aquatic ancestors is:

3. Cuticles help prevent water loss.

Cuticles are a waxy layer that covers the surface of leaves and stems in land plants, helping to reduce water loss through evaporation. In contrast, aquatic plants are surrounded by water, so they do not face the same challenges regarding water retention that terrestrial plants do.