Reproduction of mosses

Mosses belong to a group of plants that occupy an intermediate position between algae and terrestrial plants. They are a great value in nature. Therefore, the question of how the mosses are multiplying is extremely important.

The role of mosses in nature

Moss fulfills the following destinations in the life of wildlife:

• prepares the soil for other plants, growing before their appearance on rocks, sand or in other terrain;
• regulate the water regime;
• promote the formation of peat ;
• can prevent erosion of agricultural areas;
• act as a food for some animals.

Features of moss breeding

There are such ways of reproduction of mosses:

• sexless - with arguments;
• sexual;
• vegetative.

Reproduction of mosses can be summarized as follows. There is an alternation of asexual and sexual development. This determines the life cycle of moss reproduction.

A non-sexist way consists in the formation of a large number of small disputes. When the sprout sprouts, it forms a green thin thread. In turn, it generates kidneys, which are the basis for the growth of female and male shoots. Mosses are divided into two types of plants:

• dioecious - they have female and male shoots formed on one plant;
• monoecious - male and female shoots occur on different plants.

On male shoots there is development of spermatozoa, and on female - eggs. The process of fertilization is possible only in water. When the fusion of spermatozoa and ova occurs, a zygote occurs. From it a box is formed, in which spores develop. They can crumble in dry weather or when the wind blows. When they enter the moist soil, they germinate. Thus, the moss multiplication cycle is completed.

Vegetative reproduction consists in the fact that an adult plant can separate the thallus. It is fixed nearby, but exists on its own.

Thus, due to reproduction, mosses spread in nature and fulfill their important purpose.