168 BRYOPHYTES 



body elongates and numerous capsules are produced on the under 

 surface. These capsules contain numerous spores and also some 

 spiral-shaped bodies known as elaters, which burst the capsules 

 and help to distribute the spores. The spores grow and pro- 

 duce new plants. (Fig. 108.) 



There are many other forms of liverworts, some of which 

 are leafy and resemble moss plants, and are frequently mis- 

 taken for mosses. 



EXERCISES WITH BRYOPHYTES 



1. Examine a moss plant and note the character of its stem and 

 leaves. 



2. Examine a fruiting moss plant and note the setea, capsule, and 

 ralyptra. Remove the calyptra and examine with a hand lens for the 

 peristome. 



3. Examine a non-fruiting plant of the Marchantia polymorpha 

 and note shape, surface area, stomata, and cupules or non-sexual fruiting 

 cups. Scrape some of the rhizoids from the under surface and examine 

 under the compound microscope. 



4. Cut a cross-section and examine under a compound microscope 

 and note different types of parenchyma cells. 



5. Examine the plants which are carrying the fruiting bodies. 



6. Crush a capsule and examine under the microscope; note spores 

 and elaters. 



QUESTIONS 



1. To what great group do the mosses and liverworts belong? 



2. Describe a true moss plant. 



3. Describe the thallus of the liverworts. 



4. How and where are the sexual organs of the liverwort borne? 

 How does the fertilization take place? 



5. 'What are the most striking points learned in your study of Bry- 

 ophyts ? 



