Bryophyte Ecology

Abstract

Bryophytes frequently constitute a significant proportion of the vegetation , particularly in moist conditions. Because of their small size and the almost universal absence of a cuticle they are particularly susceptible to desiccation damage. Adaptive mechanisms resulting in an ability to survive periods of water stress are probably of more significance than the development of features that restrict the rate of water loss. Nutrient absorption in many terrestrial and epiphytic species occurs over the whole plant body , in which cases precipitation and dust are more important sources of nutrients than the soil water. Bryophytes are sensitive indicators of most forms of atmospheric pollution and have been