Bryophyte
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Description
Bryophytes are a group of plants that include mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. They are small, nonvascular plants, which lack leaves, stems, and true root systems. Instead, these plants have specialized structures called rhizoids, which help them anchor to many different substrates and surfaces. They absorb water and nutrients through diffusion and osmosis.
Terminology
Terms related to bryophytes:
- Gametophyte: The dominant, haploid stage of the bryophyte life cycle where sexual reproduction occurs.
- Archegonia: Female reproductive structures that produce eggs.
- Antheridia: Male reproductive structures that produce sperm.
- Sporophyte: The diploid stage of the bryophyte life cycle, which is dependent on the gametophyte and produces spores.