Question

Bryophyta like to grow in moist places because

• A. Roots are absent, they has to absorb the moisture from ground
• B. Male gametes require water for swimming
• C. They do not have water proof coating of cutin on their aerial surface to prevent the loss of water
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is D All of the above

Plants like Bryophytes and Pteridophytes are usually very delicate and cannot withstand sun rays. So, they prefer growing in moist shady places. Moreover these plants reproduce by spore formation. The spores need moist and shade to grow and reach to its next stage. They are highly water dependent and cannot prevent water loss. Thus moist and humid places are appropriate for the growth of these plants. Moss doesn't have roots like regular plants--they have network of very shallow anchors, that penetrate only a little ways into whatever surface the moss grows on. That's why moss can grow on rocks and trees. However, those anchors can't dig far enough into soil to bring up deep water. So, moss has to draw all of its water from the air or surface water. Otherwise it quickly dries out and dies.
Presence of water is essential for swimming the sperms to the archegonia for fertilization. Because of this reasons, Bryophytes are described as 'amphibians of plant kingdom'.

Hence the correct option is d.