Write the characteristics of the plants belonging to division bryophyte

Bryophyta (term introduced by Braun, 1864) are small, non-vascular embryophytes that thrive in moist habitats. They include liverworts, hornworts, and mosses. Bryophytes do not form flowers or seeds; they reproduce by spores.

General characteristics

• Known as the “amphibians of the plant kingdom”: first land plants, yet require water for survival and reproduction.
• No vascular tissues (no xylem or phloem) for transport.
• No true roots, stems, or leaves; instead, they possess rhizoids for anchorage.
• Many have a thalloid body (especially liverworts); overall morphology is simple.
• Reproduction occurs by both asexual and sexual methods; spores are produced in sporangia.
• Alternation of generations with a dominant haploid gametophyte and a dependent diploid sporophyte.
• Uses: soil conditioning (e.g., peat moss/Sphagnum), bioindicators of pollution, pesticidal/biocontrol roles, biofuel research, and wound dressings (historically).

Examples: Funaria (moss), Riccia (liverwort), Marchantia (liverwort).