Question

What is bryophyta and its types biological name

Answer 1

Bryophytes

Have you ever fallen on a slippery rock while fishing or exploring a stream? If so, you've been a victim of a bryophyte! Don't worry, they are not something to be feared.

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.