368 MOSSES 



SUMMARY 



Mosses are much more complex than algae and fungi. 

 Specialization is shown in the cells which gather and con- 

 duct water, the beginning of the absorptive and conductive 

 systems of plants. There is also the beginning of a sys- 

 tem of getting oxygen. The life history of a moss repre- 

 sents the alternation of generations, a generation which 

 reproduces by spore (asexually), and one which repro- 

 duces by egg and sperm (sexually). The generation 

 which bears spores is the sporophyte, and that which bears 

 eggs and sperms, the gametophyte. 



QUESTIONS 



In what respects are mosses more highly developed than algse, fungi, 

 and lichens ? Why do mosses require so much moisture ? Give the life 

 history of a moss. 



REFERENCES 



Leavitt, Outlines of Botany. 



