Living in the north west, most of us know, moss can be found anywhere. Mosses make up a group of plants collectively known as "bryophytes". They are non-vascular plants. Mosses don't have proper roots; rather it uses tiny threads to anchor itself to the stones, trees, or ground where it grows. Moss can be found in shady, dark, cool places. Like the side of a tree, near lakes, swamps, and near rivers. Mosses are also found in cracks between paving stones in damp city streets, and on roofs. This is because moss does not have a vascular system that allows it to store water, meaning that it has to be near water to survive.
Adaptations
Bryophytes come from algae. As you probably already know, algae is found in water. The process of moving from water to land required three things. The cuticle, stomata and gametangia. Because land plants are on land, they are subject to dehydration. The cuticle is a type of waxy coating that prevents the evaporation of water in aerial parts of plants. They also have the stomata, which is small pores on the underside of the leaves which open and close to continue the movement of carbon dioxide and oxygen throughout the plant. The last thing they have is the gametangia, which is a container of gametes. In algae gametes are developed and released into water and embryo develop there. In land all of the cells are in danger of drying out and the gametangia prevents it.
Sporophytes are the part of moss that create asexual spores.
Orthotrichum Anomalum
Racomitrium Ericodes
Kindberga Oregona
Physcomitrium Pyriforme
Tortula Ruralis
Did you know?
Moss can absorb a very large amount of water. This helps reduce erosion of soil as a result of water runoff.
People also used the absorbent properties of moss in World War I. They would use it to prevent the blood loss of the injured. It was also used to soothe infection. This is because moss contains chemicals with antibacterial properties.