Hornworts Phylum Anthocerophyta Quiz and Flashcards

What is the defining characteristic of hornworts?

In what type of habitats are hornworts commonly found?

How many species of hornworts are known?

What contributes to the ability of hornworts to colonize open areas with moist soils?

What is the division to which hornworts belong?

What is the main plant body structure of a hornwort?

How does a hornwort sporophyte differ from a liverwort or moss sporophyte?

What aids in the fixation of photosynthetic carbon in most hornworts?

How does a hornwort reproduce asexually under favorable conditions?

What is the mode of sexual reproduction in hornworts?

Characteristics of Hornworts

The defining characteristic of hornworts is the presence of horn-like sporophytes.

Habitat and Distribution

Hornworts are commonly found in habitats with moist soils and open areas.

Diversity of Hornworts

There are approximately 150-200 known species of hornworts.

Adaptations and Abilities

The ability of hornworts to colonize open areas with moist soils is contributed by their ability to produce spores that can be dispersed by wind.

Classification and Taxonomy

Hornworts belong to the division Anthocerotophyta.

Plant Body Structure

The main plant body structure of a hornwort is a thallus, which is a non-vascular, flat, and undifferentiated structure.

Sporophyte Characteristics

A hornwort sporophyte differs from a liverwort or moss sporophyte in that it is elongated and horn-like, and it grows from the central region of the thallus.

Photosynthesis

The fixation of photosynthetic carbon in most hornworts is aided by the presence of Nostoc, a cyanobacterium that lives in symbiosis with the hornwort.

Asexual Reproduction

Under favorable conditions, hornworts reproduce asexually through the production of gemmae, which are small, asexual reproductive structures that can develop into new plants.

Sexual Reproduction

The mode of sexual reproduction in hornworts is through the production of spores, which are similar to those found in mosses and liverworts.

Test your knowledge on the Phylum Anthocerophyta (Hornworts) with questions covering the topic outline, mode of reproduction, sample species, and economic importance. Learn about the horn-like structures found in humid, damp, and shady areas, and the notable genera under Hornworts.