Moss (Funaria) Plant Body

Mosses are a group of non-vascular plants that belong to the division Bryophyta. The plant body of moss, also known as the thallus, is a haploid generation called the gametophyte. The gametophyte is the dominant and most conspicuous phase of the moss life cycle.

Life Cycle of Moss

The moss life cycle alternates between two generations - the haploid gametophyte and the diploid sporophyte. This is known as alternation of generations or alternation of phases.

1. Gametophyte Generation:
The gametophyte generation of moss is the dominant phase and the main plant body. It is a haploid structure that arises from the germination of a spore. The gametophyte consists of leafy stems, called gametophores, which bear reproductive structures.

2. Sporophyte Generation:
The sporophyte generation of moss is a diploid structure that develops on the gametophyte. It is a small structure consisting of a stalk called the seta and a capsule at the tip. The sporophyte is dependent on the gametophyte for nutrition and anchorage.

Plant Body of Moss (Funaria)

The plant body of moss (Funaria) is predominantly gametophyte with sporophyte. This means that the gametophyte generation is the dominant and most visible phase of the moss, while the sporophyte generation is relatively smaller and less conspicuous.

- The gametophyte of moss (Funaria) consists of leafy stems that bear reproductive structures like male and female gametangia.
- The sporophyte of moss (Funaria) develops as a small structure on the gametophyte. It consists of a stalk (seta) that elevates the capsule above the gametophyte.
- The sporophyte produces spores through meiosis within the capsule. These spores are released and can germinate to form new gametophytes.

Significance of Gametophyte Dominance

The predominance of the gametophyte generation in mosses is significant for several reasons:
- The gametophyte is the photosynthetic phase of the moss and is responsible for producing food through photosynthesis.
- It is the gametophyte where sexual reproduction occurs, leading to the formation of the sporophyte generation and the production of spores.
- The gametophyte is also responsible for the establishment and growth of new moss colonies.

Overall, the plant body of moss (Funaria) is predominantly gametophyte with sporophyte. The gametophyte is the dominant and most visible phase, while the sporophyte is relatively smaller and dependent on the gametophyte for nutrition and support.