Where green and white mosses live. What is the difference between the structure of mosses and flowering plants. How do mosses and ferns differ from flowering plants

Second only to angiosperms, or flowering plants, which indicates the important ecological role that these plants play in nature.

Bryophytes do not have roots, they have poorly developed integumentary and conductive tissues, and for reproduction they need drip liquid moisture. Therefore, they live mainly in places with high humidity - in swamps, under the forest canopy, on the shaded side of tree trunks, etc.

During rain and snowmelt mosses, like a sponge, they absorb moisture and then slowly release it to the rivers. Therefore, the drainage of raised bogs and deforestation, in which mosses live, leads to floods in the spring, during the melting of snow. At the same time, turbulent streams of water wash away the top fertile soil layer (this phenomenon is called water erosion of the soil). At the same time, in summer, the rivers fed by the water of raised bogs become shallow, and drought sets in.

Due to their unique ability to absorb moisture throughout the surface of the body, some species of bryophytes have adapted to life in conditions where root functions are ineffective - in very cold or very dry and stony soil. Bryophytes dominate not only in swamps, but also in the subpolar zone, preventing catastrophic thawing of permafrost, as well as on rocky mountain slopes. Bryophytes are the dominant plants of tropical mountain forests located at an altitude of more than 3000 m above sea level (the so-called mossy forests).

Some bryophytes have adapted to life on dry, sun-exposed mountain slopes, on hot rocks, and even in the desert. Such mosses can remain viable for years when dried, quickly becoming active when moistened (unlike most mosses, which die when dried for a day).

Classification and diversity of bryophytes

All are divided into 3 classes:

• Anthocerotes(Anthocerotopsida);
• liverworts(Hepaticopsida);
• Leafy or true mosses(Bryopsida, or Musci).

Leafy, or true mosses, can, in turn, be divided into 3 subclasses:

• brieves(or green) mosses (Bryidae);

• Sphagnum(or white) mosses (Sphagnidae);
• Andreevs(or black) mosses (Andreaeidae).

Class Anthocerota

Class Anthocerota(Anthocerotopsida) has over 300 species distributed mainly in the tropics and subtropics. Haploid ( n) the gametophyte of anthocerotes is a thallus, outwardly resembling a rosette or saucer of dark green color, in the center of which a bright green "candle" of diploid ( 2n) sporophyte (Fig. 1).

At the end of maturation, the spore "candle" cracks and the spores spill out onto the ground. Interestingly, sporophyte cells (“candles”) contain the usual small oval-shaped chloroplasts, similar to chloroplasts of vascular plants, and gametophyte cells (“rosettes”) contain large chloroplasts, inside which are pyrenoids, which further enhances the similarity of “rosettes” - gametophytes. with algae.

Rice. 1. Anthoceros: a) Anthoceros (Anthoceros laevis) - general view with mature sporangia; b) sporangium with spores; c) archegonium; d) antheridium (internally developing spermatozoa); 1 - abdomen archegonium (in the center of the egg); 2 - neck (inside cervical tubular cells)

The stomata in the epidermis of the Anthocerota sporophyte consist of two guard cells and are outwardly similar to the stomata of vascular plants. The sporophyte of Anthoceridae, in contrast to the sporophytes of other bryophytes, retains the ability to grow and photosynthesize for a long time; it has been shown that it can generally grow and feed on its own, without the help of a gametophyte. These features of Anthocerotes allow some scientists to see them as reduced vascular plants or even the lowest link in their evolution (i.e., to consider Anthocerotes as possible ancestors of the first vascular plants - rhinophytes).

Anthocerotes are very different from other bryophytes and, in general, from other terrestrial plants. Liverworts and leafy mosses differ much less from each other. It is possible that the origin of Anthocerotes and other bryophytes is different, and they should generally be considered as different divisions of the realm of the races of genius.

Cyanobacteria of the genus Nostoc ( Nostoc) that fix atmospheric nitrogen and supply nitrogen compounds to the host plant. However, slow-growing Atocerota are weak competitors, so most of the species of this class are inhabitants of disturbed habitats (unsodden edges of arable lands, ditches, roads, river banks).

Class liverworts

Class liverworts(Hepaticopsida), or liver mosses, unites about 10,000 species.

The liverworts were named so due to the fact that their thallus resembles the liver with its outlines, therefore, in the Middle Ages, these mosses were considered an effective remedy for the treatment of its diseases.

Many liverworts are thallus (thallus) organisms. A typical representative of thallus liverworts is diverse.

However, most liverworts are not thallus, but leafy. The leaves of the liverworts, unlike the leaves of leafy mosses, are arranged not in spirals, but in 3-4 rows.

Rhizoids are unicellular. The protonema in most liverworts is poorly developed and short-lived.

Liverworts live on moist soil, on rocks, along river banks.

Vegetative reproduction is very well developed in liverworts.

Class leafy, or real mosses

Class deciduous, or real mosses (Bryopsida, or Musci) - this is the largest class of mosses, numbering about 25,000 species.

The deciduous class includes three subclasses:

• shaving;
• sphagnum;
• andrew mosses.

Brie mosses

Brie subclass(Bryidae), or green mosses, includes 14,000 species. In damp places, representatives of this group are ubiquitous: they settle on the soil, bark, tree trunks. Green mosses live in spruce and pine forests, swamps, mountain slopes, and often form a continuous cover in the tundra.

A typical representative of green mosses -, or polytrichum(Polytrichum commune) - Brie mosses of the polytrichous and dausonian families are the only representatives of mosses whose gametophytes have relatively well-developed conductive tissues resembling the xylem and phloem of primitive vascular plants. The leaves on the gametophytes of all briids are located but in a spiral. The upper side of the leaf is covered with columns of photosynthetic cells called assimilation plates. The integumentary tissue (epidermis), which protects the plant from drying out, is located only on the underside of the leaf. The stem and leaves of polytrichous also contain mechanical tissues, which are elongated cells resembling the sclereids of vascular plants. Mosses from the polytrich family are perennial, relatively large plants (for example, the height of the cuckoo flax stems sometimes reaches 40-50 cm), often forming extensive covers on the soil in forests, swamps and tundra.

Green moss rhizoids, unlike liverwort rhizoids, are multicellular, but absorb water relatively poorly. Therefore, green mosses, like other classes of mosses, absorb water with the entire surface of the body, primarily with leaves. So, cuckoo flax can absorb water 4-5 times more than the dry weight of its own body. In this regard, mosses often swamp the soil on which they grow.

A characteristic feature of the life cycle of green mosses is that their development begins with the formation of a special filamentous structure - protonemes, outwardly resembling a filamentous green algae. Interestingly, in some leafy mosses, the gametophyte does not develop at all. Protonema becomes the main life form of such mosses. The most famous of them is luminous moss. schistostega pinnate(Shistostega rennata), living in caves throughout southern Europe. It is with him that the appearance of legends about the treasures of the dwarves, disappearing at dawn, is connected.

Schistostega glows due to the concentration and subsequent reflection of light, as the eyes of cats “glow”. Special lenticular cells of moss first concentrate the light on the chloroplasts, and then the concentrated light, reflected from the back wall of the cell, passes through the chloroplasts a second time. This feature of the structure allows the Schistostega to live in the weak, diffused light of the caves.

In green mosses, as well as in liverworts, vegetative propagation is well developed.

sphagnum mosses

Subclass sphagnum(Sphegnidae), or white mosses, is represented by a single genus sphagnum(Sphagnum), including over 300 species. A characteristic feature of sphagnum is a branching stem: not individual leaves, but whorls of branches (sometimes 5 at a node) depart from the main stem of sphagnum, and a head of closely spaced branches is formed at the top of the shoot.

The initial phase of sphagnum development is the formation of lamellar protonema from spores.

Sphagnum leaves contain special dead cells that serve as water containers. Large dead aquifers are surrounded by small photosynthetic cells (Fig. 2). When the sphagnum dries, the water from the aquifers evaporates and the sphagnum becomes whitish - hence the second name of sphagnum mosses - "white mosses". Due to the presence of water-bearing cells, some types of sphagnum absorb moisture 20-40 times their dry weight. Due to this unique ability, sphagnum waterlogs the soil on which it grows.

Sphagnum does not have rhizoids. As the plant grows, the lower parts of the stem die off and sink to the bottom. In the process of growth, sphagnum not only swamps the soil, but also acidifies the water to a pH below 4. In an acidic environment without oxygen, dead stems of sphagnum and other plants do not rot, but turn into peat.

Peat bogs are an interesting object for archaeologists and paleobotanists. In the acidic environment of peat bogs, spores of ancient plants, tree trunks, ancient tools, boats, building structures are perfectly preserved. So, recently in the UK, a wooden road was discovered in peat deposits, connecting two settlements of people of the Stone Age. The age of this building is 6000 years.

Rice. 2. Sphagnum moss: a) general view; 6) box; c) leaf cells under a microscope

Peat is an excellent and renewable fuel. Peat is mainly used in thermal power plants to generate electricity. In agriculture, peat is used as a fertilizer, as well as to retain moisture in the soil. In greenhouses, peat-humus pots are used for growing seedlings.

In medicine, sphagnum is used as an excellent dressing material and filler for various moisture-absorbing pads. Sphagnum, in comparison with conventional dressings, such as vaga, absorbs moisture 5-6 times more efficiently. In addition, unlike cotton wool, sphagnum has pronounced bactericidal properties.

An interesting feature of sphagnum is the spore dispersal mechanism.

The sporophyte of sphagnum is a round box, rising on a stand (pseudopod) from the tissues of the gametophyte. In humid weather, air enters the box through the stomata. When the box dries up, the stomata on its surface close, the air pressure inside rises, as a result, with a distinct pop, the lid breaks off and a cloud of spores rises above the box.

Peat bogs occupy about 1% of the Earth's area and play an important role in regulating the Earth's water balance. The supply of water from raised bogs feeds the rivers.

Andrew mosses

Subclass andreiaceae(Andreaeidae), or black mosses, unites about 120 species of black-green or red-brown rock mosses, characteristic of mountainous and arctic regions. Protonema - lamellar, thick-walled, multi-lobed.

The mechanism of spore dispersal is interesting. The box on the pseudopod from the tissues of the gametophyte cracks into 4 plates. In dry weather, due to the reduction of the central axis, it shrinks like a Christmas toy, and the spores pour out of the box through the opened cracks. In wet weather, the axis of the box lengthens and the slots close.

Mosses and lichens are the oldest representatives of the plant world on earth, which appeared more than 300 million years ago. Almost all types of mosses are used in medicine as an indispensable source of medicines, and some are even used in construction, due to their low thermal conductivity. The science that studies bryophytes is called bryology, it has about 10,000 types and 100 families.

sphagnum mosses

Among all types of mosses, sphagnum is the most famous. Most often it can be found in swampy areas. On closer examination, it can be seen that the lower part of the sphagnum looks dry and yellowish, while the upper part is wet and green. This happens due to lack of oxygen and nutrients. The dead part of the moss decomposes and turns into peat, which serves as a fertilizer for sphagnum, and at the same time is used by people in the production of fuel. Representatives of this species are:

1. Sphagnum Baltic.
2. Coastal.
3. bulging.
4. Proreznoy and others.

All varieties of sphagnum, of which there are more than 300, have a lot of useful properties. They are widely used in medicine, due to the ability to disinfect wounds and draw pus out of them. Sphagnum-gauze dressings are applied to areas of the skin that have undergone burns or frostbite. When applying a splint to a broken limb, moss can be used as a material that prevents the bandage from rubbing against the skin, and at the same time has a moisturizing effect.

On top of that, sphagnum has antifungal properties. Insoles made on its basis will contribute to less sweating. Sphagnum perfectly absorbs liquid, and is able to absorb water 20 times its mass. Thanks to this property, it copes with bleeding even better than cotton wool, as it does not form a crust when it dries, allowing the skin to breathe.

Sphagnum is also used in the construction of wooden houses. They close all the joints and cracks between the logs, which helps to maintain the temperature in the room. A bath built according to this principle will last much longer and will keep heat well. Gardeners use sphagnum to fertilize their plants. Moss crushed and mixed with the soil will make it many times more fertile. And if you put sphagnum soaked in water on the bottom of a flower pot, you can safely not water the plant for several weeks, without fear that it will dry out.

Growing sphagnum at home is quite difficult, but if desired, it is quite realistic. For more efficient growth, it is necessary to create conditions that are as similar as possible to the natural environment. For swampy sphagnum, a dark and damp place is suitable, and for forest moss - light and moderately moist. Neither one nor the other tolerates an overabundance of minerals in both water and soil. Therefore, it is better to water it with distilled or rain water, and sawdust can be used as soil.

liver mosses

Liverworts are a separate class of bryophytes, which includes several subspecies. They got their name due to an unusual shape resembling a liver. Liverworts are found mainly in places with a tropical or subtropical climate. Representatives of this species most often have a long stem and leaves.

One of the most beautiful types of liverworts is considered to be pellia. This extremely rare plant can only be found in the swampy areas of Thailand or China. To grow it at home, you will need an aquarium, as its habitat is water. Pella moss is able to grow on wood, sand and even stone, but it does not attach well due to the lack of necessary fibers, so the best solution is to fix it yourself with fishing line or thread. The expanded colony will already be able to support itself. It should be borne in mind that the pellia stems are very brittle, therefore, where moss grows, there should not be large and, especially, herbivorous fish. In general, pellia can be an excellent decoration for an aquarium, if properly cared for.

Liverwort flowers are actively used in medicine. They make antibacterial agents and migraine medicines. Dried moss shoots are ground into powder and added to food in a few grams. Tinctures with the addition of liverwort promote better digestion, excretion of bile from the body, increased sweating.

Liverworts are able to reproduce both sexually and vegetatively. Some species of moss can reproduce exclusively by spores. Due to the fact that liverworts are a comprehensive class that includes mosses and lichens of various types, most representatives of the species can be radically different from each other.

Leafy mosses

This class includes more than 10 thousand varieties of mosses. Its most famous representative is the cuckoo flax known to everyone from the school curriculum. You can find it in almost any forest. Outwardly, cuckoo flax looks like a small tree, as it grows mainly upwards and has many sharp leaves. Under favorable conditions, a moss colony can grow to an incredible size, preventing another plant from breaking through. However, in the natural environment, this is quite rare, for example, when moss falls on freshly burned soil, on which nothing has yet grown. If you plant cuckoo flax in your garden, in the future it will have to be pulled out long and tediously.

When the moss flowers begin to bloom, a small box with seeds appears at the very top of the stalk, closed with a lid. The ripe box opens, and the wind spreads the seeds, from which new shoots will then grow. Due to the fact that cuckoo flax is a rather aggressive species that can actively grow in conditions of moist soil and good lighting, it is considered a pest among foresters.

Since ancient times, kukushkin flax has been indispensable in the construction of wooden huts and baths. This is due to the fact that it is the most common among all types of mosses, in addition, it has long stems, from 10 cm to 1.5 m. Dried cuckoo flax is tied into a strong net with a thickness of 2 cm and placed between logs.

Andrew mosses

Mosses belonging to this class live in cold places with temperatures from -5 ° C. They are quite tough, small and have straight leaves. The thin hairs of mosses allow them to penetrate and take root in the pores of stones, forming a kind of pads, so they can most often be found on the surface of rocks and granite soils.

In total, the species has about 100 representatives, among which are dicranum centipede and rodobrium rosette-shaped. Only 10 species are found on the territory of Russia. They reproduce mainly vegetatively.

oakmoss

Evernia plum, or, as it is usually called, oak moss, lives in places with a temperate and northern climate, growing in mountain forests on the branches and trunks of oak, fir, pine or spruce. Oak moss has a bushy, soft thallus and is able to change its color depending on the conditions. So, for example, during a drought, it can be dark red or light yellow, and in warm summer weather - pale white or blue.

Oak moss has strong allergenic properties, however, despite this, it is allowed to use it in small quantities in the production of perfumes. The tart coniferous smell is very much in demand among perfumers. In the past, herbalists used it to scare away wolves and foxes. In folk medicine, oakmoss is also valued, because a tincture of its oil can cure a lot of diseases.

Use for decorative purposes

Mosses and lichens have been widely used in Japanese gardens since ancient times. Thickets of moss give the sculptures and buildings a majestic, artificially aged look. Already now in many areas you can see whole compositions with its use. In fact, mosses and lichens are not very whimsical plants, so even those who are completely unfamiliar with gardening can plant them on their own.

For those who are not at all versed in the types of moss, it is best to purchase it in a nursery. People who understand this will tell you which type is better to take. If there is none nearby, you can order in an online store or negotiate with a gardener who breeds mossy plants.

On the lawn, moss will look no worse than ordinary grass. Before planting, the soil should be cleared of other plants, and also leveled. If the ground has bumps and depressions, the moss will only accentuate them. To save money, you can divide it into small pieces and plant it at a distance of several centimeters. If he takes root, he will surely fill all the sections. After planting, the moss should be pressed down with something like a board so that it enters the ground more tightly.

Breeding moss on the surface of smooth stones is a little more difficult. He needs time to settle properly. However, with porous stones, everything is much easier. On them, the plant feels the best. The first time after planting, moss needs a lot of moisture. It needs to be watered every day for a month. In order not to damage the moss that has not yet fully taken root, it is better to use a spray nozzle for a hose or a regular watering can. Kefir is suitable as a fertilizer, as it contains a sufficient amount of bacteria that have a positive effect on growth.

You can also prepare a special mixture of milk and moss in a blender. After that, you need to pour the resulting cocktail into a spray bottle or into a regular jar. Such a solution is a real living paint, which is very popular among landscape designers.

Conclusion

All in all, mosses and lichens are amazing plant species with a plethora of uses. So, for example, medicines made on their basis are highly effective, and architectural structures overgrown with moss always look elegant and authentic. After many thousands of years, people are still discovering new properties of these amazing creations of nature, which have already become simply indispensable for humans.

Bryophyte department- these are higher spore plants, the species diversity of which reaches 20 thousand. The study of mosses has been going on for many centuries, the scientists involved in their research were called bryologists, they founded a separate botanical branch dedicated to bryophytes - bryology. Briology - the science of mosses, studies the structure, reproduction and development of bryophytes (actually mosses, liverworts, anthocerotes).

General characteristics of mosses

Moss - general characteristics

Bryophytes are one of the oldest plants that inhabit our planet. The remains are found in fossils from the end of the Paleozoic era. The distribution of mosses is associated with a preference for a humid environment and shaded areas, so the majority inhabit the northern part of the Earth. Poorly take root in saline areas and deserts.

Bryophyte classes

Leafy mosses is the most numerous class. Plants are composed of stem, leaves and rhizoids.

Stem can grow vertically or horizontally, divided into bark and main tissue (contains water, starch, chloroplasts for photosynthesis).

Stem cells can produce filamentous processes - rhizoids, necessary for anchoring to the soil and absorbing water. They are often located at the base of the stem, but can cover it along its entire length.

Leaves simple, often attached to the stem at a right angle, in a spiral. Leaf blades are equipped with chloroplasts, in the center there is a vein (serves to carry nutrients).

Deciduous mosses can reproduce by stems, buds, branches that sprout, thus forming solid carpets of mosses that cover the ground. The class of leafy plants includes sphagnum mosses (they have a variety of stem colors - light green, yellow, red), andreevy and bry mosses.

liverworts found on the coasts, swamps, rocky terrain. Distinctive features: leaves do not have a vein, dorsoventral structure, a special mechanism for opening the sporophyte.

The leaves are arranged in rows, have two lobes (the lower lobe is often wrapped and serves as a reservoir for water), rhizoidal processes are unicellular. During the rash of spores, the sporophyte box opens into separate valves, and elaters (spring formations) contribute to the dispersion of cells.

Reproduction can be carried out with the help of buds (vegetatively), which are formed at the upper pole of the leaves. Representatives of the class pella endievistnaya, milia anomalous, moss marchantia, etc.

Anthocerotus mosses inhabit the tropical zone. The multinuclear body (thallus) has a rosette shape, consists of the same type of cells. In the upper balls of cells are chromatophores (contain a dark green pigment). The lower part of the thallus gives rise to processes, rhizoids, the body itself forms cavities filled with a viscous fluid that maintains constant moisture.

On the surface of the thallus, under adverse conditions, tubers are formed that are resistant to low humidity; after a period of drought, a new generation is formed. Plants are monoecious, reproductive organs develop in the thickness of the thallus, the sporophyte stage is predominant. Anthocerotes include folioceros, anthoceros, notothilas, etc.

How do mosses reproduce?

There is an alternation of asexual and sexual reproduction in the life cycle of mosses. The asexual period begins with the formation of spores and their germination on moist soil (a pregrowth is formed, a thin thread that gives life to male and female individuals). There are two types of mosses:

monoecious- male and female reproductive organs are on the same plant.

Dioecious- Reproductive organs are located in different representatives of the sex.

After the spore germinates, the moss life cycle enters the sexual phase. The organs of sexual reproduction are antheridia (male) and archegonia (female). Representatives of males are weaker than females, smaller in size, after the formation of antheridia they die off.

Spermatozoa are formed on male plants, eggs on female plants, after their fusion a zygote is formed (located on the female, it feeds the immature sporophyte), which later develops into a sporangium. After maturation of the sporangium, it opens, spores spill out of it - the asexual reproduction period of mosses begins again.

Reproduction of offspring is possible in a vegetative way, mosses form thalli (green branches), buds, tubers, which take root well on moist soil.

What is the importance of spores in the life of mosses?

Spores are the cells that mosses need to reproduce. Moss plants do not bloom, do not have roots, therefore, in order to continue the genus, they have formed a sporophyte with sporangia (the place where spores ripen).

The sporophyte has a short life cycle; after drying, the spores disperse around, and when they get on moist soil, they quickly take root. Under unfavorable conditions, they can persist for a long time without germinating, resistant to low and high temperatures, and prolonged droughts.

The value of mosses in nature and human life

Mosses are food for many invertebrates.

After dying, they give deposits of peat, which is necessary in the production of plastics, resins, carbolic acid, and is used as fuel or fertilizer.

Moss completely covers the ground in places of growth, which leads to the accumulation of moisture and waterlogging of the territory. Thus, the germination of other vegetation becomes impossible. At the same time, they prevent erosion, soil destruction by surface water and winds. When the mosses die off, they take part in the formation of the soil.

Able to grow in places of fires, persistent and hardy, they inhabit the territory of the tundra (the main vegetation background, since other plants cannot survive in such conditions).

In wartime, sphagnum moss was used as a dressing because of its bactericidal properties and ability to absorb moisture.

With the help of mosses, you can navigate the terrain: they do not like light, therefore they are located on the shady side of stones and trees. Moss points the man to the north.

In construction, it is used as an insulating, insulating material.

To systematize knowledge, I suggest filling out the following table:

Subject: Bryophytes. Moss characteristics.

Purpose: 1. To introduce students to the characteristic features of higher plants using mosses as an example. 2. Show features of complication in the organization of mosses (compared to algae).

Equipment: live plants or herbarium specimens of cuckoo flax, sphagnum or other mosses; microscopes; tables.

instruction card.

1. Consider the external structure of the moss. Find the stem and leaves. Indicate the shape, location, size and color of the leaves, the nature of the stem (branched, not branched).

2. Examine the top of the stem and find the spore box. Establish the importance of spores in plant life.

3. Examine a leaf of moss under a microscope and draw it in a notebook, sign the names of the main parts of the leaf.

4. Answer the questions: how do mosses differ from algae and flowering plants in structure? What are the similarities and differences in the nutrition of mosses and flowering plants?

2. Physiological characteristics of plants

Topic: Cellular structure of the root.

Purpose: To study the features of the external and internal cellular structure of the root.

Equipment: Sprouted bulbs of onions with water, seedlings of radish, lettuce, wheat, coverslips and glass slides, a glass of water, a dissecting needle, micropreparations of the root cap, root hairs, absorbing area.

instruction card.

1. Examine the roots of onions with the naked eye and with a magnifying glass. Find a root cap. Examine the micropreparation of the root cap under a microscope. Draw the cellular structure of the cap. Label its parts.

2. Find areas with root hairs on the roots of radish, wheat, lettuce. Mark their location on the root. Draw the root and root hairs. Label each section of the root.

3. Examine it with a microscope. Find a root hair and examine it. Sketch the root hair and label all its parts. Why has the shape of the cell changed?

4. Consider a transverse section of the conductive section of the root. Locate root vessels. Sketch the cellular structure of this section of the root. Locate root vessels. Sketch the cellular structure of this section of the root.

5. Compare the internal structure of the fruits of tomato and watermelon and the structure of the root. Find similarities and differences. How to explain the features of plant tissues of the root, draw a conclusion.

Topic: The structure of the stem.

Purpose: To study the internal structure of the stem on the example of coniferous and deciduous trees.

Equipment: parts of tree stems, dissecting needles, an album.

instruction card.

1. Consider the transverse and longitudinal sections of the branches and find the layers of the stem of a woody plant.

2. On the longitudinal section of the branch, separate the bark, determine the property of the wood surface by touch, find an explanation of this property in the text of the textbook.

3. Examine the structure of the bark, wood and core with a magnifying glass. With a dissecting needle, select parts of the bark (cork and bast fibers), wood and core. Place them in the laboratory place and write the names of each of these parts.

4. Design the application “Structure of a woody plant”, draw a longitudinal section of a branch in a notebook and sign the name of each layer, using the appropriate text and drawing from the textbook.

Subject: Modified shoots.

Purpose: To investigate the shoots of potato tubers in connection with their functions.

Equipment: potato tubers, scalpel, album.

We begin to acquaint students with modified shoots during a conversation about the importance of potatoes (food, fodder and industrial crops). In order to update the knowledge previously acquired by students about the organs of a flowering plant, we propose for discussion the question: can a potato tuber be called a root, leaf, flower, fruit? As a result, a problematic situation is created (what is a potato tuber?) and the need to solve an educational problem, during which students must refute erroneous assumptions and prove that a potato tuber is a modified shoot.

The solution to this problem is carried out in the following sequence: students list the signs of the fruit and the shoot, find out which of these signs are inherent in the tuber, and conclude that the tuber is a modified shoot. They are convinced of this in the course of laboratory work involving the study of the external and internal structure of the tuber. Carrying out work on the instruction card.

instruction card.

1. Examine the tuber, find the buds. Draw the outline of the tuber and mark the eyes and the kidneys located in them.

2. Remember how the kidneys are located on the tuber.

3. Count the number of eyes on the tuber; more of them are located at the top, less - at the base; determine where the tuber has the top, where is the base.

4. Examine thin transverse sections of a potato tuber to the light and find parts of the stem; draw the structure of a cross section of a potato tuber; prepare an answer to the question: why do peeled new potatoes slide in your hands?

5. Compare the internal structure of the linden stem and the internal structure of the tuber; explain the differences.

Topic: The movement of water through the plant

Purpose: To get acquainted with the principle of water flow to the leaves and buds of a plant.

Equipment: cross sections of tree species of plants, albums.

We begin the study of the question of the movement of water and minerals along the stem by repeating the material about the root, the flow of water and minerals into the plant, and the relationship between the structure and function of the root. We talk about the structure and functions of the leaf and invite students to answer the question: on which part of the stem does water rise to the leaves?

We conclude the discussion of this topic with a demonstration of an experiment proving that water and mineral salts move along the wood of a stem, and I invite students to study the results of this experiment, guided by an instruction card when doing laboratory work.

instruction card.

1. Consider the transverse and longitudinal sections of linden branches placed in tinted water.

2. Sketch them, sign the names of the layers, use a colored pencil to depict the results of the experiment.

3. Explain why the wood was stained, and not the core and bark.

3. Ecological features of plants.

Topic: "The variety of inflorescences of flowering plants."

Purpose: 1. To get acquainted with the structure of simple and complex inflorescences. Learn to recognize the types of inflorescences.

In this lesson, we get acquainted with the variety of inflorescences in connection with the attraction of insects for pollination.

Mosses are among the higher plants. However, this is the most ancient and simply organized group. At the same time, bryophytes are very diverse and numerous and are inferior in number of species only to flowering plants. There are about 25 thousand species of mosses.

The vast majority of mosses are perennial plants, their height is from a few millimeters to 20 cm. Mosses grow only in well-moistened areas.

Mosses have a semblance of roots - rhizoids that absorb water and fix the plant in the soil. In addition to the main and photosynthetic tissue, mosses do not have other tissues.

So mosses do not have integumentary, mechanical, conductive and storage tissues.

Department Mosses (Bryophytes) is divided into two classes - Liver mosses and Leafy mosses.

Liverworts are the most ancient mosses. Their body is represented by a branched flat thallus. There are many liverworts in the tropics. Marchantia moss grows in damp places that are not overgrown with grass. Marchantia has a creeping thallus that looks like a leaf blade. In the upper part of its thallus there is a photosynthetic tissue, in the lower part - the main one. Another representative of mosses is Riccia.

In leafy mosses, the body has shoots consisting of stems and leaves. A typical representative is the cuckoo flax, which is often found in coniferous forests and tundra, near sphagnum bogs and in damp places. It is a plant more than 10 cm tall.

Mosses have asexual and sexual reproduction. Asexual reproduction is represented both by vegetative reproduction, when the plant reproduces by parts of the thallus, stems or leaves, and by spore reproduction.

During sexual reproduction, mosses grow special organs in the upper part of the body. They form gametes - mobile spermatozoa and immobile eggs. The spermatozoa move along the water to the egg and fertilize it. After fertilization, the so-called box with spores grows on the plant. After maturation, the spores disintegrate and spread over long distances.

The spore, once in a favorable environment, develops into a multicellular green thread protonema, on which thalli or shoots then grow.

Kukushkin flax can lead to waterlogging of the soil, as it creates dense covers on the soil, which leads to the accumulation of water. Where the cuckoo flax grows, another representative of the moss may appear - sphagnum (white moss). In its leaves, cells with chlorophyll alternate with large cells containing air and water. Sphagnum can quickly accumulate water in the body and further contribute to the waterlogging of the soil. The dead parts of sphagnum are part of peat.

Biology
5th grade

§ 20. Mosses

1. What are rhizoids?
2. Why are algae classified as lower plants?
3. What is a dispute?

Mosses are distributed mainly in well-moistened places and only occasionally in arid areas (during the dry period they are at rest and resume their vital activity when precipitation falls).

Unlike algae, mosses have a stem and leaves, with the exception of a number of species of primitive liver mosses, in which the body is represented by a thallus. Mosses do not have real roots, they are replaced by rhizoids, with which they strengthen themselves in the soil and absorb water.

Since the body of mosses is divided into stems and leaves, and they reproduce by spores, they are classified as higher spore plants.

There are hepatic and leafy mosses.

liver mosses. Those who have an aquarium at home are well aware of the floating plant that covers the surface of the water with a green carpet. This is one of the liver mosses - Riccia (Fig. 68). Its body consists of a forked branched thallus. In good light, Riccia grows rapidly, forming dense cushions on the surface of the water.

Rice. 68. Liver mosses

Floating Riccia does not have rhizoids, but when water bodies dry up, remaining on damp soil, it can form them. Various types of liver mosses are found in damp forests, swamps, and reservoirs.

Leafy mosses. One of the most famous leafy green mosses is cuckoo flax (Fig. 69), it can often be found in swampy or simply wet places. Its slender brownish stems are covered with small dark green leaves and look like miniature flax plants.

Mosses - ancient and important

69. Moss cuckoo flax

Cuckoo flax has male and female plants. At the tops of male plants, the genital organs are located, in which mobile sex cells (gametes) develop - spermatozoa (from the Greek words "sperm" - seed, "zoon" - a living being and "eidos" - species).

In female plants, the genital organs are located at the tops with the female reproductive cell (gamete) - the egg.

On female plants, boxes on long legs develop, covered with hairy pointed caps. They look like a sitting cuckoo. Hence the name of the moss - cuckoo flax. Spores develop in the boxes. Spilling out and germinating, they form new moss plants.

Kukushkin flax is a perennial plant. Covering the soil in damp places with a continuous carpet, it often crowds out other green mosses.

moss structure

1. Consider a moss plant. Determine the features of its external structure, find the stem and leaves.
2. Determine the shape, location, size and color of the leaves. Examine the leaf under a microscope and draw it.
3. Determine if the plant has a branched or unbranched stem.
4. Examine the tops of the stem, find male and female plants.
5. Examine the spore box. What is the importance of spores in the life of mosses?
6. Compare the structure of moss with that of algae. What are their similarities and differences?
7. Write down your answers to the questions.

The representative of white, or sphagnum, mosses is sphagnum.

Sphagnum is a plant with a strongly branching stem (Fig. 70). Unlike cuckoo flax and other green mosses, it does not have rhizoids. The stem and branches of most sphagnum species are covered with small light green leaves. Each leaf consists of one layer of cells. These two different types of cells, their differences are clearly visible under a microscope.

Rice. 70. Moss sphagnum

Narrow green cells containing chloroplasts are connected to each other and form a continuous network. Organic substances are formed in these cells, which come from the leaves to the stem.

Between the green cells are other, larger ones. Their cytoplasm is destroyed, only shells with holes are preserved, so these dead cells are transparent and can be filled with water or air. Up to 2/3 of the leaf surface consists of these cells. Thanks to this structure, sphagnum quickly absorbs and conducts water.

Outside, the stems are also covered with transparent dead cells. Dead cells of sphagnum leaves and stems are able to absorb water 20-25 times their mass, hold it for a long time, gradually giving it to living cells.

Usually sphagnum grows on raised bogs, covering the surface of the soil with a continuous carpet, but it can also grow under the forest canopy among cuckoo flax. Where sphagnum settled, the soils are waterlogged. On excessively moist soil, trees grow poorly, become oppressed, and sphagnum, on the contrary, grows into a lush carpet, and the forest gradually becomes swampy.

Sphagnum reproduces by spores, just like cuckoo flax and other mosses. At the ends of the upper branches, it forms small boxes in which spores ripen.

The value of mosses in nature and human life. Mosses, settling in meadows, in forests, cover the soil with a continuous carpet, making it difficult for air to enter.

This leads to acidification and waterlogging of the soil.

Leaf-stemmed, especially sphagnum, mosses cover swamps with a continuous carpet and, dying, form peat, which is widely used by man. Peat is used as a fuel, fertilizer and as a raw material for industry. Wood alcohol, carbolic acid, plastics, insulating tapes, resins and many other valuable materials are obtained from peat.

New concepts

Moss. Spore. Higher spore plant. Sperm. Egg

Questions

1. Why are mosses called higher spore plants?
2. What is the structure of cuckoo flax?
3. How is sphagnum different from cuckoo flax?
4. How is moss different from algae?
5. What is the importance of mosses in nature and human life?

Think

Why don't even the largest mosses reach sizes over 80 cm?

Quests for the curious

1. Examine the leaves of sphagnum moss under a microscope. Note the structural features of the two types of cells of which they are composed.
2. Place some Riccia in a jar of damp soil. Cover the jar with glass and place in a warm, bright place. Make sure the soil is constantly moist. Watch what happens with Riccia.

Do you know that…

• Stumps and roots of trees, leaves and pollen of plants that lived millennia ago are preserved in peat layers. They are not completely destroyed, since there is little oxygen in the peat layer, in addition, sphagnum secretes substances that prevent the development of bacteria. When draining and developing swamps, well-preserved old boats, the remains of animals and people who died in the swamp are sometimes found in the thickness of peat.
• Sphagnum was widely used during the war years as a substitute for cotton wool because of its high moisture capacity and good bactericidal properties.

Mosses are a group of higher plants. They are distinguished by such a complex structure and diversity that a whole science has been formed, which studies them - bryology.

Despite the fact that bryophytes belong to higher plants, they have there are no roots and flowers, but they reproduce with the help of spores and vegetatively.

These plants are widespread everywhere - they can be found even in Antarctica, they are so unpretentious and resistant to any climate.

Mosses are undersized, perennial plants, from 1 mm to 60 cm high. They grow on trees, earth, stones, house walls, in fresh water bodies and in swamps.

Moss is one of the oldest plants on Earth. His age - about 300 million years.

moss species

First of all, it is necessary to distinguish between bryophytes and mosses proper. Modern science recognizes three classes of bryophytes:

• bryophytes;
• liverworts;
• anthocerotes.

Of these, only the first class belongs to real mosses. The remaining classes have recently been considered as independent botanical departments.

The largest class of bryophytes - leafy mosses. There are more than 14 thousand species of them, and they make up 95% of all bryophytes.

The name of this class reflects its appearance and structure - plants consist of stems with outgrowths covering them, leaves of various shapes, arranged in a spiral.

On the underground part of the stems, instead of roots, there are rhizoids - long filamentous outgrowths. With their help, the plant draws water and minerals from the soil.

Complex structure, unique reproduction process, ability to fall into a state of suspended animation helps mosses survive in any climatic conditions and play a leading role in many plant communities - in the tundra, mossy forests, etc.

The most famous subclass of leafy mosses is green. It includes, in particular, such an aquatic plant popular with aquarists as Java moss.

plant kingdom

With it, the aquarium becomes green and beautiful; the plant is easily attached, and aquarium fish like to spawn in its leaves.

About 1500 species of bryophytes live on the territory of Russia, of which the most common are:

• Kukushkin lyon. It is found in forests and meadows of central Russia, has a bright green color.
• Sphagnum, or peat moss. The main place of distribution is swamps, it is distinguished by a lighter color.

The difference between mosses and lichens and ferns

Moss is often confused with lichen. Examples: Icelandic moss and reindeer moss are actually lichens. Icelandic moss is known for its medicinal properties - it is used to treat tuberculosis, colds, and restore strength.

The difference between mosses and lichens is that lichens are of more ancient origin and are representatives of lower spore plants.

But ferns occupy a higher stage of evolution, and they have a vascular conducting system. Unites plants method of reproduction: both of them use spores for this, not seeds.

The value of moss

The importance of mosses in nature and human life is enormous. Bryophytes:

• Pioneers. They are the first to develop lands with adverse climatic conditions.
• Regulate the water balance in the soil.
• Sphagnum is a source of peat, a mineral used as fuel and fertilizer.
• They have disinfecting properties.
• Accumulate and retain radioactive substances.
• They are a food source for many animal species.
• Protect soil from erosion.

However, the spread of mosses can lead to waterlogging of agricultural land.

Mosses play a leading role in the formation of special natural complexes. For example, tundra.

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Bryophytes department, their classification, ecological features and indicator value.

Mosses do not have flowers, roots, or a conducting system. Mosses reproduce by spores that mature in sporangia on sporophytes. In the life cycle, unlike vascular plants, the haploid (that is, with a single set of unpaired chromosomes) gametophyte (sexual generation) predominates. The moss gametophyte is a perennial green plant, often with leaf-like lateral outgrowths and root-like outgrowths (rhizoids), while the sporophyte (or asexual stage of the life cycle) is short-lived, dries quickly and consists only of a stem and a box in which spores mature.

The moss sporophyte (named sporogony, or sporogon), has a simpler structure than other groups of higher plants. It is not able to take root and is located on the gametophyte. The sporophyte usually consists of three elements:

a box (or sporangium) in which spores develop;

The stem (or sporophore) on which the box is located;

feet, providing a physiological connection with the gametophyte.

In nature:

· Participate in the creation of special biocenoses, especially where the soil is almost completely covered (tundra).

Moss cover is able to accumulate and retain radioactive substances.

· They play an important role in regulating the water balance of landscapes, as they are able to absorb and retain large amounts of water.

In human activity:

· May impair the productivity of agricultural lands, contributing to their waterlogging.

· Protect the soil from erosion, providing a uniform transfer of surface water runoff into underground.

Some sphagnum mosses are used in medicine (as dressings if necessary).

· Sphagnum mosses are a source of peat formation.

MHI(bryophytes), department of higher plants. Includes 22–27 thousand species. Anthocerotus mosses are distinguished, liver mosses And leafy mosses. Known from the Carboniferous. Distributed everywhere.

How do mosses and ferns differ from flowering plants?

They are of particular importance in the tundra, where they play a landscape role. In the tropics, they are common high in the mountains, where a special belt of mossy forests is located. In most mosses - perennial undersized plants. They differ in a relatively simple internal organization (they have poorly expressed conductive, mechanical, storage and integumentary tissues). Mosses are devoid of roots, dissected into stems and leaves, or form a thallus (thallus) creeping along the ground. Monoecious, dioecious or polyecious plants. IN alternation of generations in mosses, the gametophyte (sexual generation) dominates. Along with ensuring sexual reproduction, it performs the main vegetative functions (photosynthesis, water supply, mineral nutrition). The sporophyte (asexual generation) is poorly developed, it is always connected with the gametophyte (they exist together on the same plant) and is never divided into stem and leaves.

The organs of sexual reproduction - antheridia (male) and archegonia (female) are more often located on the plant in groups, usually surrounded by leaf-shaped outgrowths or other protective formations. Fertilization of the egg by motile two-flagellated spermatozoa, which are formed in the antheridia, is possible only in the presence of drip-liquid water. The fusion of gametes and the development of the zygote takes place inside the archegonium. Within a certain time (from several months to 2 years), a multicellular diploid sporophyte (a specialized reproductive organ), called sporogon, develops from the zygote for a certain time (from several months to 2 years). It consists of the upper spore-bearing part (box) and the lower - legs with a foot growing into the tissue of the gametophyte. From the spores formed by reduction division, a multicellular branched filamentous or lamellar formation develops - a protonema, on which buds are laid, giving rise to lamellar thalli or leafy shoots - gametophores. The mass participation of mosses in the vegetation cover has a significant impact on the habitat of other plants and animals. In areas of increased moisture in temperate zones, significant (up to 11 m thick) peat deposits accumulate with a predominance of mosses.

Some mosses ( sphagnum) have antibiotic properties and are used in medicine.

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Variety of mosses. Their role in nature and human life

Variety of mosses. Bryophytes are common in all climatic zones of land. In our time, more than 25 thousand species of mosses are known (in Ukraine - about 800). These are predominantly perennial, rarely annual herbaceous plants. The green stems of individuals of the sexual generation in different species are from 1–2 mm to one meter long. Mosses grow on the surface of the soil almost everywhere - from swamps to deserts, some species have mastered fresh water. The largest number of species grows in well-moistened places - moist forests, meadows, etc. In swamps and tundra, mosses form the basis of plant communities. Often they settle on trees and rocks. Mosses growing in deserts can remain viable for several years, being in a dried state.

Over 300 species of the genus Sphagnum are distributed in swamps and other waterlogged places, mainly in the Northern Hemisphere. Sphagnum stems reach a height of 50 cm. Plants branch strongly at the top and are devoid of rhizoids. Leaves are made up of two types of cells: some are living and some are dead. Living cells are green and photosynthesis takes place in them. Dead cells are colorless, their membranes have pores through which they absorb water.

Among sphagnums, there are both monoecious and dioecious species. Sphagnums grow at the top, and the lower part of the stem gradually dies off. Dead parts of plants are immersed in water. Since there is usually little oxygen in swamp water, and sphagnum secretes acids that kill microorganisms, its dead parts do not rot. They settle at the bottom of the swamps for tens, hundreds and thousands of years, are compressed and form peat. Peat layers can sometimes reach several tens of meters in thickness. But the rate of peat formation is insignificant: in ten years, a layer no thicker than one centimeter is deposited.

The value of moss in nature and human life. Mosses are not demanding on growing conditions, they can settle where other plants are absent.

What is moss? Structure, reproduction, types of mosses, their meaning and application

By releasing acids, mosses cause the gradual destruction of rocks, and their dead parts accumulate between the debris. This is how primary soils arise, on which other plants settle over time. Interestingly, animals almost do not eat mosses. This contributes to the accumulation of their residues in the soil and, thus, to an increase in humus reserves.

A continuous layer of living mosses and their dead parts in the forests and tundra prevents the evaporation of water and contributes to its preservation in the soil. Often this leads to swamping, that is, the formation of swamps in places of forests and other plant communities. Wetlands play an exceptional role in maintaining the flow of rivers, since it is from them that streams and small rivers originate. But with an increase in the degree of waterlogging of the area, the area of ​​​​arable land may decrease.

An important role in human economic activity is played by peat, the world reserves of which are estimated at 270 billion tons. Peat is used as organic fertilizer and fuel. In the form of pressed boards, it is used in construction as a heat-insulating material. In the chemical industry, peat serves as a raw material for the production of plastics, paints, varnishes, alcohols, acids, etc. Dried sphagnum has disinfecting (antibacterial) properties, so it was previously used for wound dressing.

In the mountains of Europe, in particular in the Carpathians, a special type of moss is found on rocks and in caves. The green thread growing from the spores of this moss lives for a long time, reaching a considerable size, and is capable of glowing in the semi-darkness. Special lenticular cells capture weak light and direct it to chloroplasts, creating conditions for photosynthesis. Light passing through the chloroplast is reflected by the cell wall as a green beam. The glow of this moss gave rise to folk legends about gnomes who guard treasures in caves with lanterns at night.

Aquatic moss fontinalis, the sexual generation of which looks like branched creeping stems, is used by aquarists during the spawning of ornamental fish. Caviar, located among densely intertwined moss shoots, is reliably protected from being eaten by other inhabitants of the aquarium and from the action of harmful microorganisms, since moss releases special substances that kill them.

Bolls of different types of mosses contain from several tens to a million spores with a diameter of 5 to 200 microns. Moss spores do not lose their ability to germinate after being kept for several hours at a temperature of -200 °C or short-term heating to +100 °C.

Flipping through the pages of biology:

Ferns
Lycopsids and horsetails
General characteristics of seed plants
Types of roots. Types of root systems
Root structure
The root is an organ that provides mineral nutrition to plants.
Root modifications and their functions
Escape and its structure. Escape development from the kidney
Biology (content)

On earth there are representatives of the plant world, which are considered the largest. These are various types of mosses and lichens. Almost any of their varieties are used in the manufacture of medicines. Some are even used in construction due to their low thermal conductivity. The special science of bryology, which deals with the study of bryophytes, has also been singled out.

In nature, there are about 20 thousand species of mosses.

Sphagnum species

Sphagnum is one of the most famous mosses in Russia. It grows in swamps. The lower region is dry and yellow in color, while the upper zone is green and moist. This is observed due to insufficient supply of oxygen and mineral compounds. A certain part of the plant eventually dies off, turns into peat. It is used to make fuel.

Which plants are to the mosses of the sphagnum group:

• Baltic;
• protruding;
• coastal;
• slotted.

Sphagnum has many uses

Any variety of sphagnum moss is characterized by many useful qualities. With it, you can disinfect wounds, disinfect purulent surfaces. Dressings with gauze and sphagnum are applied to burns. It can be used during limb immobilization to prevent the dressing from rubbing against the skin. At the same time, the plant provides a moisturizing effect.

The plant is characterized by antifungal properties. The insoles for footwear made on its basis reduce sweating. Sphagnum absorbs liquid well. It is known that it can absorb water 20 times its own weight. It could be used in the fight against bleeding instead of cotton due to this property. In addition, it does not interfere with the breathing of the skin, does not form crusts.

Sphagnum finds application in the construction of wooden houses. It is used to seal joints between logs, ensuring a stable room temperature. He is also good at building baths.

The soil due to this technique will become more fertile. You can also put sphagnum at the bottom of the flower pot, soaking it with water: this way you can leave the plant for a long time without watering.

Liver varieties

This is a separate group of moss plants, uniting several subspecies. They got their own name due to the characteristic shape resembling the liver. Plants live in the subtropics and tropics, usually they have long leaves and stems. In addition, they also form the oldest family of mosses. Its most famous representative is blepharostomy hairy. It has a flat shape.

Liver mosses are usually found on deadwood, stones, stumps, along the banks of reservoirs. They form loose and dense layers. A separate category is bryophytes. They are divided into several groups according to the appearance of the leaves, stems and method of fixing in the ground. Plants form dense layers ranging in height from a few millimeters to 3 cm. Sometimes they cover vast territories.

Pellia liver moss can be grown in an aquarium

One of the most beautiful representatives of the liver moss family. It is quite rare and grows in the swampy areas of China and Thailand. You can grow it at home, but you need an aquarium. Moss is able to grow on stone, sand and wood. It does not have special villi that allow it to hold firmly on the surface, so it is better to fix the plants with thread or fishing line.

When the colony grows, it will independently support itself and provide everything necessary. Pellia stems are quite fragile, so you should not place it in those places where herbivorous fish live. In general, with the right care, pella can turn into an excellent decoration for an aquarium.

Liverworts reproduce both sexually and asexually. In appearance, representatives of this group can differ significantly from each other, since this includes a large number of mosses and lichens.

This category includes 10,000 species of mosses. Kukushkin flax is its classic representative. You can find it in almost any forest. The plant resembles a miniature tree with a large number of pointed leaves. In suitable habitat conditions, it can form large colonies and grow to impressive sizes. If you place cuckoo flax in the garden, in the future it will take a long time to get rid of it.

When moss begins to bloom, a seed pod forms at the top of the stem. As it matures, it opens, and the wind spreads the seeds. Foresters consider this plant a pest due to the fact that it can grow intensively in conditions of good lighting and soil moisture.

Kukushkin flax belongs to the leafy species of moss

In appearance, representatives of this class resemble liverworts. The description of leafy moss is as follows: a lamellar rosette of dark green color, tightly adjacent to the ground and reaching a diameter of up to 3 cm. It contains horn-shaped outgrowths up to 3 cm high, presented in large numbers.

In addition to cuckoo flax, the class unites several more classical representatives. Their list includes:

1. Hypnum cypress. It lives in the forest and covers large areas. Sometimes it settles on the roofs and walls of houses. Its stems are elongated.
2. Wall tortula. It grows on limestones, walls of buildings and forms miniature pads from which long stems are drawn.

Another variety of leafy mosses is Polytrichum juniper-like

1. Polytrichum juniper-like. Its spore boxes resemble flowers.
2. Cirriphyllum hairy. Forms light green sods. Prefers soil rich in limestone. You can find it in bushes, forests. It can also be planted in the backyard.
3. The chylocomium is brilliant. It is found quite often in forests. During intensive growth, it forms cascades, which, as it were, are divided into several floors.
4. Anthoceros is smooth. Lives in northern latitudes. Usually this species appears first after the spring thaw.

Subclass Andreeves

These plants prefer cold areas with temperatures around -5°C. They have straight small and hard leaves. Due to thin villi, mosses penetrate into the structure of the stone and take root in it. In total, there are approximately 100 representatives of this class. The most famous of them are dicranum centipede and rodobrium rosette-shaped.

Rhodobrium rosette-shaped one of 100 species of mosses of subclass Andreevy

In Russia, only 10 species are found that reproduce in a decorative way. They outwardly clearly differ from green mosses and sphagnum. The mechanism of their formation is as follows.:

1. Colorless spores appear, which later germinate.
2. Cell division occurs under the membrane. Tuberous bodies are formed, consisting of many cells.
3. A green ribbon-like protonema is formed.

The leaves of such plants are single-layered, consisting of colorless hairs with increased absorbency. They absorb moisture from the air. There are no vascular bundles on the stem.

oak and plain

Oak moss is isolated in a separate species. It has a soft bushy thallus. It prefers northern and temperate latitudes, grows in mountain forests, takes root on the trunks of pine, oak, spruce and fir. Thallus can change shade depending on weather conditions. In dry times, it usually has a bright yellow or dark red tone. As soon as the summer heat sets in, the color of the plant changes to pale blue or white.

Depending on the season and weather conditions, oakmoss changes color

It is noteworthy that this moss has strong allergenic properties. Despite this, it is used in small quantities in the production of perfumes. This is due to its original tart smell of needles. In folk medicine, oak moss is also highly valued. A tincture is prepared from it, which is effective against many diseases.

Common moss is found in Asia and Europe, North America and Africa. It prefers stagnant waters, but can also be found in moving waters. It has thin branched stems 40-50 cm long. The leaves are pointed, deep green, up to 1 cm long.

habitats

Mosses feel best on rocks and stones. Here they do not have to compete with flowering plants - the latter are simply not able to survive in such conditions. If there is a reservoir nearby, then high humidity also contributes to their harmonious growth.

Wetlands are common habitats for mosses

Moss tissue contains a special type of cells that can retain water for a long time. With a long absence of precipitation, plants go into a dormant state. They reduce their own metabolism and change color. However, it is enough for them to get just a few drops of moisture to return to their usual life.

Tortula wall prefers sunny and dry places

Most often you can see moss in damp shady places. But there are species that have adapted to dry and sunny areas. An example is a wall tortula. She has transparent hairs on her leaves that protect plants from heat. These plants have other ways to survive. For example, sphagnum can form an acidic environment, which repels bacteria, fungi, and competing plants that can displace it. And antoceros prefer to live in symbiosis with blue algae. The latter produce nitrogen and give it to their "neighbor".

Although moss is rather inconspicuous in appearance, it plays a very significant role in the ecosystem. These plants are able to retain a lot of moisture, which favorably affects the water balance of the swampy area. In open spaces, this feature contributes to the reduction of soil erosion. In addition, without sphagnum, the formation of peat mined in swamps is impossible. Plants form a dense green carpet, which serves as a favorable habitat for small animals and many insects.