Certain algae called charophytes have traits that helped them adapt to life on land, making them more plant-like. Mosses have a life cycle where the gametophyte generation relies on the sporophyte for anchorage and nutrients, while the sporophyte generation is not as visible and dominant. Sperm dispersal in mosses requires water. Mosses produce gametes in specialized structures and are homosporous, meaning they produce one type of spore.

1. 14. Although algae are aquatic organisms, one particular order of charophytes (the Charales)
have several traits that are important to adaptation to life on land thus making them even more
similar to plants. List these traits. 15. Draw or paste the life cycle of a moss (see lab manual or
PowerPoint) then answer questions a e . a. Which generation depends on which for anchorage
and nutrients? b. Which generation is dominant? (Hint: when we see a moss which is it?) c. What
is required for sperm dispersal? d. What structures are specialized for the production of the
gametes? e. Is the moss homosporous or heterosporous?