Question

Choose the option with the correct statements with respect to bryophytes:

I. They play a major role in ecological succession.

II. They were the first land plants.

III. The tallest bryophyte is less than 1 m.

IV. Vascular tissues are present in them.

• A. Only I
• B. Only I, II and III
• C. Only II and III
• D. Only I and II

Answer 1

The correct option is B Only I, II and III

Bryophytes are called the amphibians of the plant kingdom because they grows on land but depend on water for reproduction. It is the first type of land plant. The tallest bryophyte is Dawsonia, which is less than 1 meter. They do not grow taller because they lack vascular tissues like xylem and phloem which are used for long-distance transport of nutrients in tall plants. They play a major role in ecological succession as they secrete organic acids that disintegrate the rock making room for bare rock to facilitate plant succession.