Question

What are Bryophyta?Explain in detail.

Answer 1

Answer -

• Bryophytes are an informal group consisting of three divisions of non-vascular land plants (embryophytes): the liverworts, hornworts and mosses. They are characteristically limited in size and prefer moist habitats although they can survive in drier environments. The bryophytes consist of about 20,000 plant species.

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Answer 2

Explanation:

Bryophytes are small, non-vascular land plants that require water for reproduction. Land plants fall into two categories: those that have special tissues to transport water and other materials, called vascular plants; and those that do not have specialized tissues, called non-vascular plants. Bryophytes are non-vascular, so they do not have the right types of tissues to develop roots, stems, or leaves.

There are three main types of bryophytes: mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. Some scientists now only consider mosses to be bryophytes, but we'll discuss all three in this lesson. Now let's explore their defining characteristics and specialized reproductive cycle, as well as look more closely at some example bryophytes.

Characteristics

Bryophytes typically measure one to two centimeters tall. They lack tissues to provide structure and support that other land plants have, so they cannot grow taller. Instead, bryophytes grow close together into a cushion-like covering over soil, rocks, tree trunks, and leaves.

Though they require water for hydration as well as reproduction, they are able to survive on land because of special adaptations. Bryophytes are covered in a waxy cuticle that helps them to retain water. As water flows through an area, it is absorbed by bryophytes. Bryophytes hold on to water like a sponge, helping creatures who depend on water for survival as well as reducing flooding in an area.

Reproductive Life

In the bryophyte life cycle, water is necessary for reproduction. The life cycle has two distinct parts.

In the diploid stage, sperm and eggs, produced by the gametophyte, are able to join as sperm moves through water, using a special tail-like structure. Diploid means that the chromosomes are paired: one from the egg, one from the sperm. The sperm move through the water down into the part of the plant that holds the egg.

Once the egg is fertilized, the haploid stage begins in the sporophyte that forms. Haploid means that the chromosomes are unpaired and formed during meiosis during asexual reproduction. Spores are made and released from the sporophyte capsule. The spores land in a moist area and grow into new plants.