Liverwort Classification and Physical Appearance
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Common Name: Liverwort
Scientific Name: (Depending on Liverwort species)
Kingdom: Plants
Phylum: Bryophyte
Class: Marchantiophyta
Physical Description:
Typically, small usually 2-20 millimeters wide - Individual plants less than 10 cm tall therefore, they are overlooked
Liver-shaped bodies, flat and ribbon-like
Flowerless plants which produces spores
Thin, translucent stalk
Segmented, moss leaves
Appearance is similar to flattened moss
Grows horizontally
Have roots attached to the ground by rhizoids
General Information on Liverworts
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The Marchantiophyta is a category of bryophyte plants which are commonly known as hepatics or liverworts. Each of its cells carry a single group of genetic information ready for the reproduction. There are approximately 6000 – 8000 species of liverwort in total, however, scientists believe that once they take further research into the Neo-tropical regions (Mexican plateau including Central and South America and the West Indies), the number of liverwort species will increase to 10,000. As many people believe liverworts are similar to mosses, a way to distinguish them is by the rhizoids.
Native Continent and Habitat:
Today, liverworts grow in many biomes and ecosystems such as the tundra areas except in the oceans or extremely dry environments. Liverwort are most common in tropical areas and do not have a native continent in particular.
Adaptations that Allow for Success
In order to survive, the liverworts have adapted very well with the tundra biome. Just like all the other plants inhabiting tundra, they are well adapted to resist heavy winds and soil disturbances. One way of liverworts resisting the extremely cold climate is that they grow very short, usually less than 10 centimeters tall and group together so they are protected by the strong, powerful snow storms during the winter. Liverworts are also capable of continuing photosynthesis at low temperatures and low light intensities.
Reproduction and Development
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First, two green plant (gametophyte) germinate male or female sex cells (gametes) which later fuse together. It then develops into a sporophyte (producing spores). The sporophyte are then released into new green mosses that continue to mature and develop organs. Male’s organs are known as antheridia which produce sperm cells and females’ organs are known as the archegonia which produce egg cells.
Left: A diagram of the life cycle of liverwort plants
Interesting Relationships (interdependence, symbiosis, economical significance)
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During the ancient times, people believed that liverworts were able to cure liver diseases which is where the name ‘liverwort’ originated from. In old English, liverwort means ‘liver plant’. Apart from the fact that is was used in ancient times, this plant plays little significance in the world’s economy directly. Liverworts also cause less soil erosion along stream banks – an indirect significance. Some liverwort species’ thin, slender branches provide microhabitats to many small invertebrates and fish that eat them. This is known as a Commensalism – where one organism benefits and the other is unaffected.