Kindbergia oregana

Photo: Surrey W.L. Jacobs

Bryophytes
For Biology 2410 Utah State University

Kindbergia oregana Photo: Surrey W.L. Jacobs

Three groups
hornwort
mosses

Leafy liverwort

Characteristics

Chlorophyll a, Starch, Cellulose No lignin Usually no conductive tissue, sometimes poorly developed tissue Gametophyte dominant, perennial Sporophyte parasitic on gametophyte NEED MOIST ENVIRONMENT, when active

Structure: Gametophyte

Gametophore leafy structure or thick, conspicuous part Gametophore produces archegonia and antheridia which produce gametes

Moss gametophore Leafy Liverwort

Thallose liverwort

Sex!

Sperm swim from antheridia into archegonia and fertilize egg Sporophyte grows out of archegonium
Archegonia, with egg

Antheridia

Structure: Sporophyte

Sporophyte produces capsule In capsule: MEIOSIS, produces spores Spores fall to ground and germinate to form protonema, first stage of gametophyte generation

Moss

Liverwort

Protonema

Protonema

Hornwort

Nutrition

Autotrophic Gametophore most important for energy capture

[In mosses and hornworts some photosynthesis in sporophyte]

Absorb water and nutrients through leaves/body and rhizoids Some conduction by capillary action

Distribution & Role

Most abundant in humid, temperate or tropical regions Intercept rains drops prevent wash-outs Pioneers Soil protection 100 years to regenerate trees; 300 years to regenerate bryophyte flora Shelter and food

Three groups
hornwort
mosses

Leafy liverwort

Mosses

Most abundant bryophytes Persistent sporophyte Leaves 3-ranked Leaves not lobed, mostly 1 cell thick Leaves often with costa

Moss Sporophyte

Persistent Seta + capsule Capsule has:

Peristome teeth teeth

Sporangium Peristome teeth Operculum

Calyptra = Top of archegonium

Covered by calyptra

Hairy calyptras

Liverworts

Two kinds

Leafy

Well-defined leaves Ill-defined leaves Big, dichotomous lobes Small, rosettes

Thallose

Liverworts

Leafy 2 or 3 rows Leaves often lobed Leaves no costa Two layouts

Incubus water catching Succubus roof style

Underleaves Sporophyte ephemeral Capsule splits