Introduction
Bryophytes are often called the “Amphibians of the Plant Kingdom” because they require water for reproduction but can survive on land as well. They form a crucial link between algae and pteridophytes. For NEET aspirants, bryophytes are an important NCERT-based topic that often appear in exams with direct questions.
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General Characteristics of Bryophytes
Non-vascular plants (no xylem or phloem)
Plant body is thalloid (undifferentiated into true root, stem, and leaves)
Anchored by rhizoids instead of roots
Reproduction occurs through spores
Life cycle shows alternation of generations (gametophyte dominant, sporophyte dependent)
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Classification of Bryophytes
Bryophytes are divided into three main groups:
1. Liverworts
Example: Marchantia
Plant body is dorsiventral, thalloid
Asexual reproduction: by fragmentation and gemmae
Sexual reproduction: male and female sex organs borne on separate structures
2. Mosses
Example: Funaria, Polytrichum
Gametophyte has two stages:
Protonema stage (creeping, green, filamentous)
Leafy stage (develops from secondary protonema)
Sporophyte consists of foot, seta, and capsule
3. Hornworts
Example: Anthoceros
Sporophyte is elongated and persists for a long time due to basal meristem
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Alternation of Generations (Life Cycle)
Dominant phase: haploid gametophyte
Produces gametes (antherozoids & eggs)
Fertilization requires water – male gametes swim to female gametes
Sporophyte (diploid) develops on gametophyte and produces spores
Spores germinate into new gametophyte
📌 Diagram: Life cycle of Funaria (Important for NEET – always revise this diagram from NCERT)
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Economic Importance of Bryophytes
Soil formation: Mosses help in succession and soil development
Moisture retention: Moss carpets prevent soil erosion
Fuel: Sphagnum (peat moss) forms peat used as fuel
Horticulture: Mosses retain water and are used as packing material for transplants
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NEET High-Weightage PYQs
1. Bryophytes are called amphibians of the plant kingdom because:
a) They lack vascular tissue
b) They live in moist habitats
c) They require water for fertilization ✅
d) Their body is thalloid
2. Gemma cups are found in:
a) Mosses
b) Liverworts ✅
c) Ferns
d) Gymnosperms
3. The dominant phase of moss is:
a) Sporophyte
b) Gametophyte ✅
c) Zygote
d) Embryo
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Quick Revision Notes
Non-vascular, gametophyte dominant
Examples: Marchantia, Funaria, Anthoceros
Require water for fertilization
Gemmae = Asexual reproduction in liverworts
Alternation of generations → key diagram for NEET
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Mock NEET Practice Questions
Q1. Which of the following is not a bryophyte?
a) Marchantia
b) Funaria
c) Anthoceros
d) Selaginella ✅
Q2. In mosses, sporophyte is:
a) Independent
b) Dependent on gametophyte ✅
c) Completely free-living
d) None of the above
Q3. Protonema is the:
a) Diploid sporophyte
b) Haploid gametophyte (juvenile stage) ✅
c) Zygote
d) Capsule
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Final Tip for NEET Aspirants
Bryophytes are small but highly important for NEET 2025. Focus on:
NCERT diagrams (life cycle of Funaria)
Gemma cup of Marchantia
Alternation of generations concept
Revise smartly using these notes and attempt the mock questions daily for accuracy.