Which plant kingdom can survive both on land and in water?a)Tracheophy...
The sperm of bryophyte (antherozoids) are flagellate and need water to swim to the eggs. In other words, as these plants need water for reproduction unlike other plants, they are called as amphibians. Amphibians are those organisms which live on both land and in water.
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Which plant kingdom can survive both on land and in water?a)Tracheophy...
Bryophyta can survive both on land and water. These are also called amphibians of the plant kingdom as they live on soil but need water for reproduction. For example, mosses.
Which plant kingdom can survive both on land and in water?a)Tracheophy...
Bryophyta, also known as the mosses, is the plant kingdom that can survive both on land and in water.
1. Introduction
Bryophyta is a group of non-vascular plants that includes mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. These plants lack true roots, stems, and leaves, and instead have simple structures for absorbing water and nutrients. They are found in various habitats, including moist environments such as forests, wetlands, and even deserts.
2. Adaptations for survival on land
Mosses have several adaptations that allow them to survive on land:
- Rhizoids: Mosses have thread-like structures called rhizoids that anchor them to the ground. Although rhizoids resemble roots, they do not have the same functions. Rhizoids primarily aid in absorption of water and anchoring the plant.
- Cuticle: Bryophytes have a waxy cuticle on their surface that helps prevent water loss through evaporation. This adaptation is crucial for survival in terrestrial environments.
- Spores: Mosses reproduce by producing spores, which are dispersed by wind or water. These spores can tolerate harsh conditions and have the potential to germinate and develop into new plants when favorable conditions arise.
3. Adaptations for survival in water
Although bryophytes are adapted for survival on land, they can also thrive in aquatic environments. This adaptability is due to the following features:
- Thallus: Mosses have a thallus-like structure that allows them to absorb water and nutrients directly from their surroundings. This adaptation is advantageous in habitats with abundant water, such as ponds, lakes, and streams.
- Gametophyte stage: The dominant stage in the life cycle of bryophytes is the gametophyte stage, which is the reproductive phase and can occur in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. During this stage, the plant produces reproductive structures called gametangia, which contain the sex cells required for reproduction.
4. Conclusion
Bryophyta, or mosses, are a plant kingdom that can survive both on land and in water. They have adapted to terrestrial environments with features such as rhizoids, a cuticle, and spore production. Additionally, they can thrive in aquatic habitats due to their thallus-like structure and the ability to reproduce in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. This adaptability allows them to colonize a wide range of habitats, making them an important component of ecosystems both on land and in water.