Nonvascular Plants and Bryophytes

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to nonvascular plants and bryophytes, including definitions of major terms and concepts.

Bryophytes

The earliest lineages to diverge from the common ancestor of plants, including liverworts, mosses, and hornworts.

Phylum Hepatophyta

The phylum that includes liverworts, which have around 9,000 species.

Phylum Bryophyta

The phylum that includes mosses, with around 12,000 species, known for being the most diverse bryophytes.

Phylum Anthocerophyta

The phylum that includes hornworts, which consist of approximately 225 species.

Sporophyte

The diploid phase (2n) of bryophytes that is usually unbranched and dependent on the gametophyte.

Gametophyte

The haploid phase (1n) of bryophytes that is larger and longer-living than the sporophyte.

Rhizoids

Structures that anchor bryophytes to their substrate, allowing them to absorb water.

Sphagnum

A type of moss known as 'peat moss' that plays a critical role in water regulation and forms peat bogs.

Flagellated sperm

Sperm that requires water to swim and fertilize eggs in bryophytes.

Asexual reproduction

A method of reproduction in bryophytes where small gametophyte plantlets detach from the parent and grow into new individuals.