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Moss Chenhao Li What is the moss? • Mosses are small, soft plants that are typically 1–10 cm (0.4–4 in) tall, though some species are much larger.They commonly grow close together in clumps or mats in damp or shady locations.They do not have flowers or seeds , and their simple leaves cover the thin wiry stems. Classification • Traditionally, mosses were grouped with the liverworts and hornworts in the Division Bryophyta ( bryophytes ), within which the mosses made up the class Musci.This definition of Bryophyta, however, is paraphyletic and now tends to be split up into three divisions.In such a system, the Division Bryophyta contains exclusively mosses.In such a system, the Division Bryophyta contains exclusively mosses. Geological history • The fossil record of moss is sparse, due to their soft-walled and fragile nature.Unambiguous moss fossils have been recovered from as early as the Permian of Antarctica and Russia, and a case is put forwards for Carboniferous mosses. It has further been claimed that tube-like fossils from the Silurian are the macerated remains of moss calyptræ . Habitat • Since mosses have no vascular system to carry water through the plant, they must have a damp environment in which to live, and a surrounding of liquid water to reproduce.In most areas, mosses grow chiefly in areas of dampness and shade, such as wooded areas and at the edges of streams; but they can grow anywhere in cool damp cloudy climates, and some species are adapted to sunny, seasonally dry areas like alpine rocks or stabilized sand dunes. Traditional uses 1. Circumpolar and alpine people used mosses as insulation in boots and mittens. Ötzi the Iceman had moss-packed boots. 2.Tribes of northeastern United States and southeastern Canada used moss to fill chinks in wooden longhouses. Commercial use • There is a substantial market in mosses gathered from the wild.The uses for intact moss are principally in the florist trade and for home decoration.Decaying moss in the genus Sphagnum is also the major component of peat , which is "mined" for use as a fuel , as a horticultural soil additive, and in smoking malt in the production of Scotch whisky . Inhibiting moss growth • Decreasing availability of water through drainage . • Increasing direct sunlight. • Increasing the soil pH with the application of lime . • Increasing number and resources available for competitive plants like grasses . END