SCOPE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDIES ON REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF BRYOPHYTES

Abstract

  Reproduction is important for several aspects of the life and persistence of bryophytes. Two important fields to study are the role of reproduction in population dynamics and survival, and in genetic diversity and speciation. The life history strategies performed by different species are correlated with the stability and predictability of the environment. Since most bryophyte populations are patchily distributed, the production, dispersal and establishment of diaspores is important. Genetically more diverse species have a better chance to survive environmental changes than stenotypic species. Therefore, the role of reproduction, asexual and sexual, in the maintenance of the genetic variation must be studied. This is also important in the conservation of bryophytes.