Title: Bryophytes | Basic Biology
Headings: Bryophytes
Bryophytes
Where are bryophytes found?
How old are bryophytes?
How did bryophytes evolve?
How big are bryophytes?
How does their life-cycle work?
Why are bryophytes important?

Content: Bryophytes | Basic Biology
Bryophytes
Bryophytes are a division of plants that includes all non-vascular, land plants. They can be split into three groups: mosses, hornworts and liverworts. Although each group is genetically very different, they each share some common adaptations which have led to them being clumped together as bryophytes. Bryophytes have a set of common features that help to distinguish them from all other land plants. Bryophytes don’t have vascular tissue. Bryophytes all reproduce using spores rather than seeds and don’t produce wood, fruit or flowers. Their life-cycle is dominated by a gametophyte generation which provides support and nutrients for the spore producing growth form known as the sporophyte. Some bryophyte species have evolved special tissue which allows them to transport water and other substances through their tissue. However, the tissue doesn’t contain lignin, an essential protein found in true vascular tissue.