Liverworts

Definition

Liverworts are non-vascular plants belonging to the division Marchantiophyta. They thrive in moist environments and play a role in soil formation and nutrient cycling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Liverworts reproduce both sexually via spores and asexually through gemmae cups.
2. They lack true roots, stems, and leaves but have structures called rhizoids for anchorage.
3. Liverworts are among the earliest land plants, dating back over 400 million years.
4. They exhibit a dominant gametophyte stage in their life cycle.
5. Liverworts can be classified into two main groups: thalloid liverworts and leafy liverworts.

Review Questions

• What are the primary methods of reproduction in liverworts?
• What type of habitat do liverworts typically prefer?
• How do liverworts differ from other bryophytes in terms of structure?

Related terms

Bryophytes: Non-vascular plants that include mosses, liverworts, and hornworts.

Gametophyte: The haploid stage in the plant life cycle that produces gametes.

Rhizoids: Hair-like structures that anchor bryophytes to the substrate.