Why Bryophyta are known as amphibians of plant kingdom.?
**Bryophyta as Amphibians of Plant Kingdom**
Bryophyta, commonly known as mosses, are considered the amphibians of the plant kingdom due to their unique characteristics and adaptations that allow them to thrive in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Here is a detailed explanation of why Bryophyta are referred to as amphibians:
**1. Habitat and Adaptations**
- Bryophytes are found in diverse habitats, including freshwater, damp soils, and even on rocks or tree trunks. This versatility enables them to survive in both aquatic and terrestrial environments, similar to amphibians that inhabit both water and land.
- Mosses have the ability to absorb water directly from their surroundings, allowing them to survive in damp environments. This adaptation is comparable to the ability of amphibians to absorb water through their skin.
**2. Reproduction and Life Cycle**
- Bryophytes have a unique life cycle that involves alternation of generations. They have a dominant gametophyte generation and a reduced sporophyte generation.
- The gametophyte generation of mosses is the most conspicuous and resembles a small leafy plant. It produces reproductive structures called gametangia, which produce male and female gametes.
- The male gametes are released and swim in a film of water to reach the female gametes, which are fertilized. This reliance on water for fertilization is similar to the aquatic reproduction of amphibians.
**3. Moisture Dependence**
- Bryophytes, including mosses, are highly dependent on moisture for survival. They lack specialized tissues for water transport, such as xylem and phloem, found in higher plants. As a result, they need to be in a moist environment to carry out vital functions like nutrient absorption, photosynthesis, and reproduction.
- This moisture dependence is reminiscent of amphibians, which also require a moist environment for various physiological processes, including respiration and reproduction.
**4. Environmental Indicators**
- Bryophytes are frequently used as indicators of environmental conditions due to their sensitivity to moisture and air pollution. They thrive in areas with high humidity, good air quality, and abundant water sources.
- Similarly, amphibians are considered ecological indicators due to their sensitivity to changes in environmental conditions, including water quality, temperature, and habitat degradation.
In conclusion, the classification of Bryophyta as the amphibians of the plant kingdom is justified by their ability to inhabit both aquatic and terrestrial environments, adaptations for moisture absorption, water-dependent reproduction, and their role as environmental indicators. These characteristics make them comparable to amphibians, which exhibit similar ecological and physiological adaptations for life in both water and land.
Why Bryophyta are known as amphibians of plant kingdom.?
Bryophytes are called the amphibian of the plant kingdom becoz of the fact that they are terrestrial plants but they need water for reproduction and fertilisation during it's life cycle. so they are found in moist area .
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