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What distinguishes liverworts from mosses in particular?
  • a)
    Mosses have vascular tissue that liverworts lack
  • b)
    In contrast to liverworts, mosses have an intermediate stage known as protonema
  • c)
    Mosses grow taller, whilst liverworts do not
  • d)
    Sporophytes, specialized bodies found only in mosses, are missing in liverworts
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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What distinguishes liverworts from mosses in particular?a)Mosses have ...
  • Mosses develop into a stage known as protonema from spores before developing into thallus, which resembles leaves. In contrast, this transitional stage is not present in liverworts, therefore the spores grow into a thallus without a protonema.
  • Mosses are tiny, flowerless plants that belong to the Bryophyta category, along with liverworts and hornworts. They lack xylem and phloem-like circulatory systems and primarily absorb water and nutrients through their leaves. They often grow in bunches or mats on the forest floor in moist, shaded areas. They often only reach a height of 10 cm, although the unusual species Dawsonia may reach heights of 50 cm.
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What distinguishes liverworts from mosses in particular?a)Mosses have ...
Distinguishing Features of Liverworts and Mosses
Liverworts and mosses are both non-vascular plants belonging to the group of bryophytes, but they exhibit key differences in their life cycles and structures. One of the most significant distinctions is the presence of an intermediate stage known as the protonema in mosses.
Protonema in Mosses
- Definition: The protonema is a filamentous structure that develops from the germinating spore of mosses.
- Function: It serves as the first stage of the gametophyte generation, where it grows into the mature gametophyte, leading to the formation of moss plants.
- Significance: This stage is crucial for nutrient absorption and establishing the plant before it develops into the recognizable leafy structure.
Liverworts Lack Protonema
- Development: Liverworts do not have a protonema stage; they develop directly from the spore into a mature gametophyte.
- Structure: Liverworts typically exhibit a thalloid or leafy structure without the filamentous intermediate form.
Other Distinctions
- Vascular Tissue: Mosses do not have true vascular tissue, but they do have specialized structures for water and nutrient transport.
- Growth Form: Mosses can grow taller compared to liverworts, which tend to be more flat and spread out.
- Sporophytes: Mosses possess sporophytes that are attached to the gametophyte and are specialized structures for spore production, while liverworts have simpler sporophytes.
In summary, the presence of the protonema stage in mosses is a defining characteristic that sets them apart from liverworts, influencing their development and growth patterns.
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