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Comparative studies of natural groups of organisms

Structure of Funaria sp. of the plant (that is the stem-like structure
A mature Funaria plant is structurally and leaf-like structure), and the rhizoids
erect, measuring only a few centimetres constitute a gametophyte body (Figure
above the ground. It is clearly 3.22). The sporophyte includes a capsule
differentiated into stem-like and root-like that encloses the spores, which are borne
systems. The stem-like structure bears at the tip of stem-like structure called
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leaf-like structures that are arranged seta and attached to the gametophyte
spirally along it. At the base of the “stem” by the structure called foot. Funaria
are tuft of adventitious rhizoids that are hygrometrica is the most common moss
used for anchorage and absorption of species.
water and mineral salts. The greenish part

Capsule
Annulus
Peristome

Spores
Sporophyte (2n)
Operculum (capsule lid)
Calyptra

Seta
Leaves

Gametophyte (n)
Main axis

Rhizoids

Figure 3.22: Structure of a Funaria
Reproduction of Funaria which is an essential medium for sperm
swimming from the male gamentangium
Task 3.8 (antheridium) to female gamentangium
Watch simulations or videos showing a (archegonium). Normally, when it rains,
life cycle of the Funaria. these small stem-like structures become
flooded, saturated, swollen, and they burst
A mature gametophyte of genus to release sperms on the surface. The
Funaria are monoecious. They consists sperms produced have two flagella (bi-
of short stem-like structure in which flagellate spermatozoids); hence, they can
antheridia (male reproductive structure) swim towards the egg (oogonium) located
and archegonia (female reproductive in the archegonium. Fertilisation takes
structure) are borne at the tips of the place inside the archegonium to form a
male and female stems respectively. diploid zygote. It keeps growing while
Sexual reproduction requires water still inside the archegonium to form a

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