EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Sphagnum accumulations can store water, since both living and dead cells can hold water and living matter for very long distance transport inside their cells. Hence, sphagnum is responsible for peat formation.

Detailed explanation-2: -Option: (b) Sphagnum is a moss genus that is usually referred to as peat moss. Peat is a naturally occurring deposit of partially decomposed plant or organic waste found only in peatlands. Sphagnum moss may spread into drier areas as it matures, producing bigger peatlands.

Detailed explanation-3: -Anaerobic conditions, which prevent the micro-biological activity needed for the chemical breakdown of organic materials are generally assumed to be largely responsible for the accumulation of partly decomposed biomass in the form of peat.

Detailed explanation-4: -Peat formation occurs when the plant material, usually in wet areas, is inhibited from decaying fully due to acidic and anaerobic (without oxygen) conditions. Conditions like water logging, lack of oxygen and nutrients, and high acidity with low temperature are required for the process.