Bryophytes (Nonvascular Plants)

What are the three phyla of bryophytes?

Liverworts (Hepatophyta), mosses (Bryophyta), and hornworts (Anthocerophyta).

Do bryophytes have vascular tissue?

No — they are nonvascular plants.

What life stage is dominant in bryophytes?

The gametophyte (haploid) stage.

How large are bryophytes compared to vascular plants?

They are generally small and low-growing because they lack vascular tissue.

Where do bryophytes usually live?

In moist environments, since they rely on water for reproduction.

How does fertilization occur in bryophytes?

Sperm swim through water to reach the egg in the archegonium.

Where are the eggs produced in bryophytes?

In the archegonium (female gametangium).

Where is sperm produced in bryophytes?

In the antheridium (male gametangium).

What happens after fertilization?

The zygote develops into a diploid sporophyte attached to the gametophyte.

Is the bryophyte sporophyte independent or dependent?

Dependent on the gametophyte for water and nutrients.

What structure anchors bryophytes to the ground?

Rhizoids, which are hairlike structures (not true roots).

What does the bryophyte sporophyte consist of?

A foot, seta (stalk), and capsule (sporangium).

What is the function of the capsule?

It produces and releases haploid spores.

How are bryophyte spores dispersed?

Usually by wind.

What do bryophyte spores grow into?

Protonemata, which develop into mature gametophytes.

What are liverworts?

Flat, lobed bryophytes that can reproduce asexually using gemmae cups.

What are gemmae cups?

Structures that contain small discs of tissue (gemmae) that can grow into new plants.

What are hornworts?

Bryophytes with elongated, horn-like sporophytes that grow continuously from a basal region.

What are mosses?

The most common bryophytes; have leafy gametophytes and capsule-bearing sporophytes.

What ecological roles do bryophytes play?

Pioneer species in bare or disturbed environments, Help form soil, Retain moisture and nutrients

How do mosses retain water?

Through capillary action in their dense mats.

What is Sphagnum?

A genus of moss known as peat moss that forms large deposits in wetlands.

What is peat?

Partially decayed organic material formed by Sphagnum moss in bogs.

Why is peat important ecologically?

It stores carbon, helping to regulate global CO₂ levels.

Why is peat important economically?

Used as fuel and as a soil conditioner in gardening.