Question

Which of the following is responsible for peat formation?

• A. Riccia
• B. Sphagnum
• C. Funaria
• D. Marchantia

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Sphagnum

The correct option is : B

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Sphagnum is a type of moss that is commonly known as peat moss.
2. Peat is an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation or organic matter that is unique to natural areas called peat lands.
3. 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.
4. Hence, sphagnum is responsible for peat formation.

Explanation of the incorrect option:

Option A:

Riccia is a type of liverworts, small, creeping, thalloid plants, whose body is not differentiated into root, stem and leaf.

Option C:

Funaria is a type of moss that grows on shady and moist places, whose body is differentiated into stem or phyllodes and branched rhizoid with septa.

Option D:

Marchantia is also a type of liverworts that grow on moist clay or silty soils, whose body is thalloid having ventral scales and rhizoids.

Final answer : Sphagnum is responsible for peat formation.