Which type of plant are mosses classified under?

Mosses are classified as bryophytes, which is a group of non-vascular land plants. This classification is significant because bryophytes, including mosses, liverworts, and hornworts, are characterized by their simple structures and lack of specialized tissues for water and nutrient transport, which distinguishes them from vascular plants.

Bryophytes have specialized reproductive structures and thrive in moist environments, relying on diffusion for the movement of water and nutrients. Their life cycle features a dominant gametophyte stage, which is the green, leafy part we typically recognize as moss. In contrast, the sporophyte stage, which produces spores for reproduction, is generally dependent on the gametophyte for nourishment.

Understanding this classification helps in studying plant evolution and ecology, as bryophytes represent one of the earliest lineages of land plants, playing crucial roles in ecosystem functions, such as soil formation, hydration, and as indicators of environmental health.