What are the main characteristics of Mosses and Ferns?
Both classes have an alternation of generations but differ in the dominant stage. Both rely on spores for dispersal to new habitats. Both rely on flagellated sperm so are restricted to moist habitats for the gametes to achieve fertilization. Both have little cross fertilization. Both have true regulated stomata in the epidermal layer to regulate the exchange of gases for photosynthesis. Both have cuticles to limit dehydration. Both reproduce sexually and have protective structures surrounding their reproductive organs (gametangia). Moss, hornworts & liverworts are dominant in the gametophyte stage of their life cycle. Moss are not vascular -low mats only Moss & relatives lack true, meaning vascular, leaves & roots. Moss have specialized cells forming rhizoids able to anchor to the soil but also able to hold to hard surfaces such as rock and bark, which are impenetrable to plant roots. Moss leaves are never lobed, are all the same size, and arrange in a spiral along the stem. Ferns & fe
