Phylum BryophytaNon- Vascular PlantsMossBryophyta means mosslike plant

Not really moss:Irish moss (algae)Reindeer moss (lichen)Spanish moss (flowering plant)

Parts of a moss plantLeafy ShootRhizoids

Life Cycle of Moss

Life Cycle of MossAlternation of GenerationsSporophyte Generation: produces spores (asexual)Gametophyte Generation: produces gametes (sexual)

Life Cycle of MossThe top of the male gametophyte bears the antheridia which produces spermThe top of the female gametophyte has one or more archegonia which contains the ovaSperm swim from the antheridia to the archegonia and fertilizes an ovum (zygote)

Gametophyte Generation

Life Cycle of MossZygote grows into a stalk with a capsule which produces sporesWhen mature the cap comes off and spores disperseSpore grows when environmental conditions are rightFirst grows into a cellular filament called a protonemaProtonema then forms the leafy shoots and rhizoids

Sporophyte Generation

Life Cycle of MossProtonema

Moss

Moss Capsule

LiverwortsLiver PlantMarchantia a common liverwort with a y-shaped thallusHave splash platforms which look like little umbrellas

Benefits of Mosses Help to replenish the soil Help to prevent soil erosion Peat moss or Sphagnum is used by gardeners to pack plants for shipment and in Iceland and other northern regions it is used as fuel Has been used for surgical dressing