EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -In many mosses the leaves around the male stem tip that encircle the antheridia form a ‘splash cup’. Sperm are released into rainwater or condensation that collects within the cup and are then splashed out when rain drops strike the water. In this way the sperm are carried to the archegonia on nearby plants.

Detailed explanation-2: -Some successfully end up on female gametophyte moss plants and are chemically attracted to the archegonium. Each archegonium holds one egg, in a swollen section called the venter. The sperm enter the archegonium through the narrow channel in its neck. Fertilization occurs in the archegonium to form a diploid zygote.

Detailed explanation-3: -The most conspicuous stage of moss is the gametophyte: A haploid stage. Male gametophytes produce sperm, which must swim to the female gametophyte. Female gametophytes produce eggs, which are retained in special structures on the female gametophyte. The fertilized egg is a zygote, dependent on the female gametophyte.

Detailed explanation-4: -Because water is needed for the sperm cells to reach the egg, this is one of the reasons why moss seem to be more prevalent in wet areas. Once fertilized, the zygote will mature to produce the sporophyte. The sporophyte refers to the diploid generation of the moss.

Detailed explanation-5: -Answer and Explanation: Mosses need water for fertilization because they lack the pollen granules used by other types of plants to deliver sperm cells to ovules or the egg cells within the ovules.