IMSE 302 LS PLANT DIVERSITY
(3 CREDITS)
Prepared by
Dr Rekha Govindan
Assistant Professor on Contract (Biology)
Module IV: Bryophyta
• Introduction
• General Characters
• Classification
• Evolution and alternation of generation in bryophytes
Bryophytes though grow on soil
but need water for sexual
reproduction. The sperms of
bryophytes are flagellated and
eggs are non-motile. Each
sperm has two flagella. So, in
order to accomplish fertilization
sperm must be provided with
water. So that sperm can whip
its flagella in water and swim
to egg to fertilize it.
Examples of Bryophyta
There are about 20,000 plant species in the bryophyte kingdom. The three subgroups of
bryophytes are mosses, hornworts, and liverworts. Typical examples include:
•Liverworts: Calobryum, Marchantia, Riccia, Pellia, and Porella.
•Mosses: Sphagnum, Funaria, and Polytrichum.
•Hornworts: Anthoceros, Notothylas, and Megaceros.
Habitat of Bryophyta
Bryophytes may survive in a wide range of environments, altitudes, temperatures, and
moisture levels.
In harsh and varied ecosystems like the arctic and desert regions, they can be seen
growing in shady and moist conditions. Since it does not rely on roots to get nutrients
from the soil, it can thrive in places where vascularized plants cannot. Some bryophytes
have an extraordinary ability to endure extended periods of freezing and dryness, and
when moisture is restored, photosynthesis is resumed. Many bryophytes thrive on the
soil, the living or decaying materials of other plants, and the persistent residues of their
own growth. A few are aquatic in nature, while others grow on the exposed rock surface.
Structure of Bryophyta
• The plant is small and erect about 1 cm in
height.
• Structure consists of rhizoid (the root like
structures) and simple sessile leaves (leaf-
like structures).
• The gametophyte is classified as
protonema or foliose gametophore.
Foliose plants have a stem as an axis and
leaves without a midrib.
• Rhizoids have multicellular structures with
oblique septa.
• Elaters are absent and the sex organs are
carried apically on the stem.
• The sporophyte is classified into three
types: foot, seta, and capsule.
Endothecium gives rise to sporogenous
tissues.
• The capsule dehisces due to the
separation of the lid, and Columella is
present.
Various characters are used for
the classification of bryophytes.
Some important characters are:
(i) External and internal
structure of the thallus. (ii)
Types of rhizoids. (iii) Types of
scales. (iv) Position of sex
organs. (v) Structure and nature
of sporophyte. (vi) Degree of
sterilization in the sporophyte.
Anthocerotopsida (Hornworts)
• This class contains approximately 300 species. Hornworts are another
name for them. It only has one order, Anthocerotales. Examples include
Anthoceros, Megaceros, and Notothylas.
The primary characteristics are as follows:
• The gametophytic body is a simple, flat, dorsiventral thalloid with no
internal differentiation.
• Dorsally embedded in the thallus are sex organs. Each cell has one
chloroplast that contains a pyrenoid.
• The sporophyte is divided into three parts: the foot, the meristematic zone,
and the capsule.
• Amphithecium gives rise to sporogenous tissues. Rhizoids have smooth-
walled cells.
• The columella is found in the capsule, which is made up of endothecium.
Hepaticopsida (Liverworts)
This group includes liverworts, which are a type of bryophyte. It has
approximately 900 species. Liverworts are the most basic bryophytes. They
prefer moist rocks and wet soil to live in. Because they live near water, their
chances of drying out are greatly reduced.
Hepaticopsida is further classified into four orders:
• Marchantiales (e.g. Riccia, Marchantia)
• Sphaerocarpales (e.g. Sphaerocarpos)
• Calobryales (e.g. Calobryum)
• Jungermanniales (e.g. Pellia)
Bryopsida (Mosses)
The largest class of Bryophyta, with approximately 1400 species. They are
commonly referred to as mosses. Examples include Funaria, Polytrichum,
and Sphagnum.
The primary characteristics are as follows:
• The gametophyte is classified as protonema or foliose gametophore.
Foliose plants have a stem as an axis and leaves without a midrib.
• Rhizoids have multicellular structures with oblique septa.
• Elaters are absent and the sex organs are carried apically on the stem.
• The sporophyte is classified into three types: foot, seta, and capsule.
Endothecium gives rise to sporogenous tissues.
• The capsule dehisces due to the separation of the lid, and Columella is
The following are the main characteristics of the class
Hepaticopsida:
• A gametophyte plant can be thalloid or foliose.
• Dorsiventral, lobed, and dichotomously branched thalloid forms
• Sex organs are carried dorsally within gametophytic tissues.
• The sporophyte is made up of only the capsule (in Riccia) or the foot,
seta, and capsule (in Marchantia).
• Rhizoids are septate, branched, and unicellular.
• Endothecium gives rise to sporogenous tissues, and the capsule lacks a
columella.
The alteration of generations in bryophytes refers to the life cycle that alternates between two distinct stages: the
gametophyte and the sporophyte. This process is a key characteristic of bryophytes, which include mosses,
liverworts, and hornworts.
Key Stages:
1.Gametophyte Generation:
- Haploid (n): The gametophyte is the dominant stage in bryophytes and is haploid, meaning it has a single set of
chromosomes.
- Structure: It typically consists of leafy structures (in mosses) or thalloid forms (in liverworts).
- Reproduction: The gametophyte produces gametes (sperm and eggs) through mitosis. Sperm is released and
swims through water to fertilize the egg, which occurs in a moist environment.
2.Sporophyte Generation:
- Diploid (2n): After fertilization, the zygote develops into the sporophyte, which is diploid and dependent on the
gametophyte for nutrition.
- Structure: The sporophyte usually consists of a stalk (seta) and a spore capsule (sporangium) where spores are
produced.
- Reproduction: The sporophyte undergoes meiosis to produce haploid spores, which are then released into the
environment.
Life Cycle Overview:
•The cycle begins with the gametophyte producing gametes.
•Fertilization forms a zygote, which develops into the sporophyte.
•The sporophyte produces spores through meiosis.
•Spores germinate and grow into new gametophytes, continuing the cycle.
Importance:
This alteration of generations allows bryophytes to adapt to varying environmental conditions, as the gametophyte
stage is often more resilient in adverse conditions, while the sporophyte stage is crucial for reproduction and
