EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Mosses, which are bryophytes, grow to trap moisture. They form dense mats on the soil and reduce the impact of falling rain. They also prevent soil erosion. Both mosses and lichens decompose the rocks and make the substrate suitable for the growth of higher plants.

Detailed explanation-2: -This group consists of algae, fungi, slime moulds, lichens, liverworts, mosses and hornworts. The one feature these all have in common is that they reproduce by spores. They do not produce flowers or seeds. Within this group, the mosses, liverworts and hornworts are collectively called bryophytes.

Detailed explanation-3: -Mosses along with lichens are the first organisms to colonize rocks.

Detailed explanation-4: -This process is called primary succession. It begins with organisms such as lichens that can live and grow very slowly on bare rock. Lichens (see the Fungi station) break down rock by secreting acids. The freeze-thaw cycle of winter also contributes to rock destruction.