Question

Why did the researchers add filtrate from which macerated moss had been removed to the control microcosms?

Short answer

The main aim of researchers was to ensure that the presence of living moss cells was the reason for the difference between control and experimental microcosms (small artificial area of rocks).

The given method allows researchers to be sure that water in both experiments was the same. The only exception was the presence of a living moss cell.

Step-by-step solution

Experiment conducted by researchers

Researchers conducted an experiment to measure the release of minerals from rocks. Firstly, they added a mixture of water and moss to microsomes and then removed moss from them.

Functions of moss

Mosses are bryophytes and multicellular organisms that belong to the kingdom Plantae. They aid in soil erosion by forming the surface cover of the soil. They provide nutrition to the other vegetation types and help them in their survival.

Conclusion of result

The researchers concluded that the material contained in the filtrate was derived from moss, which helps in the weathering of the rocks. Thus, moss helps in the breakdown or weathering of rocks.