Mosses Flashcards
What is the phylum?
Bryophyta
What is the general structure?
‘Leafy’, with multicellular rhizoids, main axis with leaves arranged spirally.
How are the leaves formed?
Blades, one cell thick
What is monoecious?
Species that bear both sperm and egg in the same gametophyte
What is dioecious?
Species that has the male and female organs in separate plants
How does the sporophyte grow?
generally elongated, grow from an apical cell, with foot embedded un the gametophyte
What is an apical cell?
A cell that divides repeatedly to form new cells
What is a calyptra?
An enlarged archegonial venter that protects the capsule contain the embryo
What is the columella?
axis of sterile tissue which passes through the center of the spore-case of mosses.
What is sphagnum?
wetland moss genus - peat moss
Why is sphagnum important?
Forms extensive deposits of partially decayed organic material - peat, which is used as a fuel source and for soil conditioner
How does peat stabilise the atmosphere?
Massive carbon reserves that stabilise co2 concentrations
How is peat made?
Phenilic compounds, low temperature and pH and oxygen levels inhibit decay of moss, is compressed for millions of years.
