Nonvascular Flora: Their Taxonomy, Diversity, Life Strategy and Ecological Significance

NONVASCULAR FLORA:
Their Taxonomy, Diversity, Life Strategy and Ecological Significance
Alforque, Hazel Love
Cotamora, Marc Jay Arr
Solomon, Alvin
Master of Science in General Science Education
Biology for Teachers
Sci Educ. 254/210
March 2022
INTRODUCTION
Non-vascular plants are those without a vascular system. The vascular system is
comprised of two main types of tissue: the xylem and the phloem. The xylem distributes water
and dissolved minerals upward through the plant, from the roots to the leaves. The phloem
carries food downward from the leaves to the roots. Non-vascular plants lack xylem and phloem
so instead, they possess simpler tissues that have specialized functions for the internal transport
of water. They do not produce flowers, fruit, or seeds and also lack true leaves, roots, and stems.
Non-vascular plants typically appear as small, green mats of vegetation found in damp
habitats. The lack of vascular tissue means that these plants must remain in moist environments.
Like other plants, non-vascular plants exhibit alternation of generations and cycle between
sexual and asexual reproductive phases.
Non-vascular plants include two groups - the bryophytes and algae. Also included here
are lichens as they are a symbiosis between one or more algae and a fungus.
Bryophytes are among the smallest non-vascular plant species in Kingdom Plantae. They
are embryo-bearing plants that are divided into three main divisions: the Bryophyta (mosses), the
Hepatophyta (Liverworts), and Anthocerophyta (Hornwort).
Lichens are symbiotic, composite organisms that are generally categorized in the Fungi
kingdom. Lichens are known for their particularly slow growth rate of less than a millimeter per
year. They are also considered among the oldest living organisms. They are divided into three
groups: Crustose, Foliose, and Fruticose.

Objectives
This study aims to obtain the following objectives:
1. Investigate and document the non-vascular flora at the located study site
2. Collect specimens and describe their taxonomy, diversity, life strategy and ecological
significance
3. Answer the guide questions provided for the activity.

METHODOLOGY
Locale of the Study
The collection of specimen was conducted in Bugwak Falls of Muleta River, Bugwak,
Dancagan Bukidnon. It took 20-30 minutes by motorcycle to travel from the Dancagan Bus
Terminal to the selected research site.
Figure 1. Map of Bugwak Falls
Duration of the Study
The study was conducted on a Wednesday of February 23, 2022 from 10:09 AM to 12:00
PM.
Materials/Equipment
The materials used in the study are plastic cellophanes with number labels, field
notebook, plastic containers, knife, straw, field lens and camera/cellphone.

Methods and Procedures Employed
The collection of the bryophyte and lichen specimen in Bugwak Falls was done through a
transect walk along both sides of the riverside. A calibrated straw was used to indicate the
distance traversed during the collection. A total of eighty (80) meters transect lines were
established from the base of the waterfall going along the river.
Preparation of Specimens
The bryophytes and lichens were collected by the use of knife and were placed in plastic
cellophanes with labels of Bn for bryophytes and Ln for lichens. The substrate or habitat of the
specimens were also documented. After the collection of the specimens, it was air dried and
placed in a packet envelope with the labelled with their number and substrate or habitat.
Examination and Description of the Specimens
The examination of the specimens were done through microscopy using Scanner
objective, Low-powered objective and High-powered objective. The description of the specimen
were referred to herbarium biological science articles and various recent studies of bryophytes
and lichens retrieved from the internet. Each specimen was described based on habitat and
diagnostic characters.
Documentation
a.) b.)
c.) d.)
Figure n. Study site
a.) Bugwak Falls, Bugwak, Dancagan Bukidnon
b.) Establishing the transect lines
c.) Collection of specimens
d.) Second falls and riverbed

RESULTS
The following plates are the specimens purposely selected from Bugwak Falls. It includes
their habitat and some taxonomical and anatomical structures.
Bryophytes:
Substrate: Moist rock

Division: Bryophyta (Moss)
Collection number: B1
Place collected: Bugwak Falls
Date collected: February 23, 2022
Description:
A. Color: Green when wet and dry
B. Leaf arrangement:
C. Leaf shape:
D. Leaf apex:
E. Leaf margin:
F. Cell shape:

Description:
A. Color: Yellowish green
C. Leaf shape:
D. Leaf apex:
E. Leaf margin:
F. Cell shape:
Description:
A. Color: green
C. Leaf shape:
D. Leaf apex:
E. Leaf margin:
F. Capsule: present

Division: Anthocerotophyta (Hornworts)
Description:
A. Color: green
C. Leaf shape:
D. Leaf apex:
E. Leaf margin:
F. Cell shape:

Division: Anthocerotophyta (Hornworts)
Description:
A. Color: green
C. Leaf shape:
D. Leaf apex:
E. Leaf margin:
F. Cell shape
Division: Brophyta (Moss)
Description:
A. Color: green
C. Leaf shape:
D. Leaf apex:
E. Leaf margin:
F. Capsule: present
Substrate: Tree branch

Description:
A. Color: Green
C. Leaf shape:
D. Leaf apex:
E. Leaf margin:
F. Cell shape:

Description:
A. Color: Green
C. Leaf shape:
D. Leaf apex:
E. Leaf margin:
Substrate: Soil
Description:
A. Color: green
C. Leaf shape:
D. Leaf apex:
E. Leaf margin:
F. Cell shape

Description:
A. Color: Green
C. Leaf shape:
D. Leaf apex:
E. Leaf margin:
F. Cell shape:
Lichens:
Substrate: Tree trunk

Type: Crustose
Collection number: L1
Place collected: Bugwak falls
Description:
A. Color: Whitish-grey
Substrate: Fallen log

Type: Crustose
Description:
Substrate: Tree branch

Type: Crustose
Description:
Substrate: Leaf
Type: Crustose
Description:
Substrate: Leaf
Type: Crustose
Description:
Substrate: Tree trunks

Type: Crustose
Description:

Type: Foliose
Date collected: February 23,2022
Description:
A. Color: Dark grey with red spots

Type: Foliose
Description:
A. Color: Whitish-green

Type: Crustose
Description:

Type: Crustose
Description:
A. Color: light green
DISCUSSION
Table 1. Summary list of Bryophyte specimen collected at Bugwak Falls.

SPECIMEN SUBSTRATE DIVISION
B1 Moist rock Bryophyta
B4 Moist rock Anthocerophyta
B5 Moist rock Anthocerophyta
B7 Tree branch Bryophyta
B9 Soil Bryophyta
The table above shows the specimens collected at the site are not very diverse in terms of
variation of species solely based on the amount of specimen collected at the site. There are eight
(8) species found on moist rock, one (1) on a tree branch, and one (1) on soil. There are eight (8)
species of bryophyta (moss) found and two (2) species of anthocerophyta (hornwort).
The bryophytes specimen collected are concentrated near the riverbed and the waterfalls,
but due to the damaged cause by the construction of the dam near the falls caused very little
amount of bryophytes present.
Table 2. Summary list of Lichen specimen collected at Bugwak Falls.

SPECIMEN SUBSTRATE DIVISION
L1 Tree trunk Crustose
L2 Fallen log Crustose
L3 Tree branch Crustose
L4 Leaf Crustose
L5 Leaf Crustose
L7 Tree trunk Foliose
L8 Tree trunk Foliose
Table 2 shows the summary of lichens collected at Bugwak Falls. Most lichens are found
on tree trunks with six (6), two (2) on leaves, one (1) on tree branch, and one (1) on fallen log as
shown by table 2. Most species found are crustose with eight (8) and foliose with two (2).
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
The study revealed that there are non-vascular flora present on the area. The total species
collected are twenty (20). Ten (10) of them are bryophytes and the other ten (10) are lichens. On
the bryophyte species, there are eight (8) species found on moist rock, one (1) on a tree branch,
and one (1) on soil. There are eight (8) species of bryophyta (moss) found and two (2) species of
anthocerophyta (hornwort). On the lichens there are six (6) on tree trunks, two (2) on leaves, one
(1) on tree branch, and one (1) on fallen log as shown by. Most species found are crustose with
eight (8) and foliose with two (2).
Conclusion
From the findings of the study, the following are the conclusion.
1. Out of ten (10) bryophyte species collected, most species prefer to live on moist rock then
the least is on soil and tree branch.
2. Out of ten (10) bryophyte species collected, the largest in number of them are bryophyta
which is eight (8) in number and the least are anthocerophyta with two (2) and
hepatophyta with zero (0).
3. Out of ten (10) lichen species collected, most species prefer to live on tree trunks with six
(6) in number, two (2) on leaves, one (1) on tree branch, and one (1) on fallen log.
4. Out of ten (10) lichen species collected, the largest in number of them are crustose which
is eight (8) in number and the least are foliose with two (2) and fruticose with zero (0).
Recommendation
1. Bugwak falls is a tourist attraction site developed by the locals to promote tourism to the
area. The area must be managed properly to ensure the growth of non-vascular flora
population in the area.
Activity Questions:
1. Why are bryophytes and lichen communities have been widely used as bioindicators of
climatic and environmental changes?
Examples of environmental, ecological, and biodiversity indicators can be found
in many different organisms inhabiting many different environments. Lichens and
bryophytes are often used to assess air pollution. Lichens and bryophytes serve as
effective bio indicators of air quality because they have no roots, no cuticle, and acquire
all their nutrients from direct exposure to the atmosphere. Their high surface area to
volume ratio further encourages the interception and accumulation of contaminants from
the air.
2. Microclimatic variables have been considered as constraining factors over the taxonomic
and functional diversity of epiphytic bryophytes and lichens. Explain.
Microclimatic variables are the factors in which affect the reproduction and life
span of bryophytes and lichens in a certain area. Microclimatic conditions depend on
such factors as temperature, humidity, wind and turbulence, dew, frost, heat balance, and
evaporation. If these factors cannot attain balance in the ecosystem of non-vascular
plants, then the taxonomic and functional diversity of these organism will be greatly
affected. We cannot apply “reciprocity” concept because climate is the one that control
living organisms.
3. Why are nonvascular groups an essential component of tropical humid forest? State its
important roles in the ecosystem?
Bryophytes are very important in initiating soil formation on barren terrain, in
maintaining soil moisture, and in recycling nutrients in forest vegetation. Indeed,
discerning the presence of particular bryophytes is useful in assessing the productivity
and nutrient status of forest types. Also play a very important role in the environment
they colonize sterile soils, absorb nutrients and water and release them slowly back into
the ecosystem, contributing to the formation of soil for new plants to grow on. Also
Because of their large water holding capacity, bryophytes may also affect the water
balance in some forests.
On the other hand, important function of lichens is that they provide a mode of
survival in harsh environments where algae cannot normally survive. Because lichens
enable algae to live all over the world in many different climates, they also provide a
means to convert carbon dioxide in the atmosphere through photosynthesis into oxygen,
which we all need to survive. One of the ways lichens directly benefit humans is through
their ability to absorb everything in their atmosphere, especially pollutants. Lichens can
provide us with valuable information about the environment around us. Any heavy metals
or carbon or sulfur or other pollutants in the atmosphere are absorbed into the lichen
thallus. Scientists can extract these toxins and determine the levels that are present in our
atmosphere
4. What taxonomic traits useful to assess the diversity status, species richness, and
composition of lichens and moss flora in any vegetation type?
Species abundance is always a useful indication for diversity status and species
richness in both lichens and mosses. A growing number of population of the species can
be used to determine growth patterns and coverage of the species in an area. But species
abundance and species richness are intertwined with each other. Species diversity is a
combination of species richness and species abundance. Diversity is important because
first and foremost, it helps buffer environmental stresses on an ecosystem. A diverse
ecosystem has a better chance of surviving rapid changes with minimal losses. Diverse
ecosystems can sustain complex ecological interactions between biotic and abiotic
components in an ecosystem. Especially with lichens and moss flora as bioidicators of
climatic and environmental changes. Any form of change can cause a massive shift in the
diversity of non-vascular flora in the environment.
5. Cite an explanation on the effects of land-use on ecosystems structure and biodiversity

status of nonvascular plants.
“Impact of Land-Use Intensity and Productivity on Bryophyte Diversity in Agricultural
Grasslands” by Jörg Müller, Valentin H. Klaus, Till Kleinebecker, Daniel Prati, Norbert
Hölzel, Markus Fischer.
According to Muller et al. (2012), Bryophyte vegetation was negatively affected
by certain land use measures. While total and pleurocarpous species richness were
negatively related to cutting frequency, pleurocarpous species richness was reduced by
high levels of fertilizer application.
Their study has showed various implications of land-use to the Bryophyte
Diversity on the area. The conclusions to their study are indicated as follows.
“Bryophyte species richness in grasslands differed strongly between the regions
especially due to differences in soil conditions and humidity. Moreover, in both regions
our results demonstrate a strong negative impact of productivity and high nutrient levels
on bryophyte vegetation in agricultural grasslands. Land-use intensity and in particular
fertilizer application had negative effects on bryophytes, especially on pleurocarpous
species. Nevertheless, moisture conditions of drained fen soils are assumed to have
partially overruled relationships between land-use measures and species richness, at least
in one region. Thus, site differences and indirect effects of land use such as drainage of
fen soils were more important than direct measures of land-use intensity. However, both
moisture and nutrient availability were strongly associated with each other. The mean
Ellenberg indicator value for nutrients turned out to be the most powerful predictor to
describe negative relationships between productivity and bryophyte species richness.
Muller et al. (2012).”
6. The reproductive life cycle of a moss plant is important to understand its physiology.
Discuss the life cycle. (Note: An available Online links and websites to trace the life
cycle)
Life Cycle of a Moss
A moss is a member of the plant phylum Bryophyta. These plants, along with the liverworts
(Hepatophyta) and hornworts (Anthocerophyta), lack well-developed vascular systems. For their
lack of a distinctive kind of conducting cell—the tracheid—they are called nontracheophytes.
The life cycle of a moss, like all plants, is characterized by an alternation of generations. A
diploid generation, called the sporophyte, follows a haploid generation, called the gametophyte,
which is in turn followed by the next sporophyte generation.
1. A moss, like all other plants, undergoes a complex life cycle in which the generations
alternate between haploid and diploid forms. The most familiar form of the moss is the
"leafy" haploid form, called the gametophyte. Gametophytes are either male or female.
2. The male gametophyte produces male gametes—sperm—inside reproductive structures
called antheridia. The haploid gametophyte produces these haploid sperm by mitosis.
3. The female gametophyte produces a female gamete, or egg, inside each of many female
reproductive structures, called archegonia. Like the sperm, the eggs are haploid and are
produced by mitosis.
4. The sexual reproduction of a moss requires water, which is one reason mosses are
typically found in moist environments. Sperm cells require water for transport to egg
cells.
5. Once in the vicinity of an egg, a sperm cell swims to the egg and fertilizes the egg by
fusing with it. The fusion produces a diploid zygote—the first cell of the next generation,
called the sporophyte generation.
6. The zygote divides by mitosis and grows into a multicellular sporophyte. During the life
of the sporophyte, it remains attached to the gametophyte and depends on the
gametophyte for water and nutrients.
7. As the sporophyte continues to grow and elongate, the surrounding gametophyte tissue
keeps pace, but eventually cracks at its middle. The remaining hoodlike tissue at the tip,
called the calyptra, protects the growing sporophyte.
8. Underneath the calyptra grows a sporangium filled with thousands of spores. The spores
are haploid and are produced when diploid cells of the sporophyte undergo meiosis.
9. When the top of the sporangium is shed, it reveals a ring of teethlike structures holding in
the spores. These "teeth" are highly responsive to humidity. They arch in and then out
again as they absorb water and then dry out. Each time the teeth open out, spores are
released to the wind.
10. A spore that lands on moist ground will germinate, producing a filamentous, elongating
structure called a protonema. This protonema gives rise to buds, which, in turn, develop
into the next haploid gametophyte generation. The gametophytes in this generation will
mate and continue the alternation of generations.
Alternation of generations is a feature of all plants. The nontracheophytes are unique, however,
in that the gametophyte generation, rather than the sporophyte generation, is the most
conspicuous.
The green, "leafy" mosses on the banks of streams are all haploid gametophytes. The diploid
generation of the plant arises after a male and female gametophyte mate and fuse their haploid
gametes. The resulting diploid zygote grows into the sporophyte—the long stalked structure
bearing a sporangium. This sporophyte is a new generation in the life cycle, yet the new
organism can never leave the gametophyte, because it depends on the gametophyte for its
nutrients.
When the sporangium breaks open and releases its haploid spores, a new generation of
gametophytes can germinate.
Source: https://www.whfreeman.com/BrainHoney/Resource/6716/SitebuilderUploads/Hillis2e/
Student%20Resources/Animated%20Tutorials/pol2e_at_2101_Life_Cycle_of_a_Moss/
pol2e_at_2101_Life_Cycle_of_a_Moss.html
https://www.whfreeman.com/BrainHoney/Resource/6716/SitebuilderUploads/Hillis2e/Student
%20Resources/Animated%20Tutorials/pol2e_at_2101_Life_Cycle_of_a_Moss/
pol2e_at_2101_Life_Cycle_of_a_Moss_scr.html
REFERENCES
Bailey, Regina. (2021, September 5). Characteristics of Mosses and Other Non-Vascular
Plants. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/non-vascular-plants-4126545
Müller J, Klaus VH, Kleinebecker T, Prati D, Hölzel N, Fischer M (2012) Impact of Land-
Use Intensity and Productivity on Bryophyte Diversity in Agricultural Grasslands. PLoS
ONE 7(12): e51520. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0051520
https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/nonvascular/#:~:text=Non%2Dvascular%20plants%20are
%20those,for%20internal%20transport%20of%20water.
https://www.britannica.com/video/152186/components-plant-vascular system#:~:text=The
%20vascular%20system%20is%20comprised,the%20leaves%20to%20the%20roots.
https://www.thoughtco.com/non-vascular-plants-4126545
https://www.hunker.com/13428311/life-cycle-of-lichens#:~:text=The%20life%20cycle
%20of%20a,fungal%20reproduction%20structure%2C%20produces%20spores.
https://eco-intelligent.com/2016/09/23/species-diversity-species-richness-species-abundance/

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NONVASCULAR FLORA:

Their Taxonomy, Diversity, Life Strategy and Ecological Significance

Alforque, Hazel Love

Cotamora, Marc Jay Arr

Master of Science in General Science Education

Biology for Teachers

Sci Educ. 254/210

sexual and asexual reproductive phases.

Hepatophyta (Liverworts), and Anthocerophyta (Hornwort).

groups: Crustose, Foliose, and Fruticose.

This study aims to obtain the following objectives:

3. Answer the guide questions provided for the activity.

Locale of the Study

Terminal to the selected research site.

Figure 1. Map of Bugwak Falls

Duration of the Study

notebook, plastic containers, knife, straw, field lens and camera/cellphone.

Examination and Description of the Specimens

Figure n. Study site

a.) Bugwak Falls, Bugwak, Dancagan Bukidnon

b.) Establishing the transect lines

c.) Collection of specimens

d.) Second falls and riverbed

their habitat and some taxonomical and anatomical structures.

Substrate: Moist rock

Substrate: Moist rock

Substrate: Moist rock

Substrate: Moist rock

Substrate: Tree branch

Substrate: Moist rock

Substrate: Moist rock

Substrate: Tree trunk

Substrate: Fallen log

Substrate: Tree branch

Substrate: Tree trunks

Substrate: Tree trunk

Substrate: Tree trunk

Substrate: Tree trunk

Substrate: Tree trunk

Table 1. Summary list of Bryophyte specimen collected at Bugwak Falls.

Table 2. Summary list of Lichen specimen collected at Bugwak Falls.

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

population in the area.

5. Cite an explanation on the effects of land-use on ecosystems structure and biodiversity

Life Cycle of a Moss

Plants. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/non-vascular-plants-4126545

Use Intensity and Productivity on Bryophyte Diversity in Agricultural Grasslands. PLoS

ONE 7(12): e51520. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0051520

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