AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Bryophytes thrive in damp, shady environments, but they can also be found in diverse and even extreme habitats, from deserts to arctic areas. Globally there are around 11, 000 moss species, 7, 000 liverworts and 220 hornworts. As they are not flowering plants, bryophytes reproduce by spores instead of seeds.

Detailed explanation-2: -You’ll often find bryophytes growing with other non-vascular cryptogams such as lichens, algae and cyanobacteria.

Detailed explanation-3: -Bryophytes also need a moist environment to reproduce. Their flagellated sperm must swim through water to reach the egg. So mosses and liverworts are restricted to moist habitats.

Detailed explanation-4: -Because they don’t have roots and stems to transport water, mosses dry out very quickly, so they are usually found in moist habitats. The only place they don’t grow is in salt water.