Classification of Bryophytes

Classification of Bryophytes

Proskauer in the year 1957 classified Bryophytes into 3 Classes namely

i. Hepaticopsida (Riccia, Marchantia, Porella and Riella) ii. Anthocerotopsida (Anthoceros and Dendroceros) iii. Bryopsida­ (Funaria, Polytrichum and Sphagnum).

The outline of the classification is given below

Class: Hepaticopsida

They are lower forms of Bryophytes. They are more simple in structure than mosses and more confined to damp and shady places. They have an undifferentiated thallus. Protonernal stage is absent. Sporophyte is very simple and short lived. In some the foot and seta are absent. Example Riccia.

Class: Anthocerotopsida

Gametophyte is undifferentiated thallus. Rhizoids are unicellular and unbranched. Protonemal stage is absent. Sporophyte is differentiated into foot and capsule and seta is absent Example: Anthoceros.

Class: Bryopsida

These are higher forms in which the gametophyte is differentiated into ‘stem’ like and’leaf’ like parts and the former showing radial symmetry. Rhizoids are multi-cellular and branched. Protonemal stage is present. Sporophyte is differentiated into foot, seta and capsule. They have a more differentiated structure than liverworts. They often form dense cushions. Example: Funaria.