Question

Describe two adaptations that are present in mosses, but not hornworts or liverworts, which reflect steps of evolution toward land plants.

Short answer

• Mosses contain thick cell walls to support the plant on the land. some mosses develop primitive vascular system.
• Mosses exhibit more complex, multicellular rhizoid system.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Introduction

Mosses

• They are non-flowering plants.
• They have stems and leaves.
• They lack true roots.

Step 2. Explanation

• Mosses exhibit a primitive conductive system in their stalks that transport nutrients and water.
• The rhizoids in mosses are multicellular, but unicellular in hornworts and liverworts.