Role of Bryophytes in Conservation of Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Bryophytes are important part of the ecosystem in temperate and tropical forests, especially in extreme environments. Several aspects of their physiological ecology, particularly drought resistance and nutrition, are of special interest. Bryophytes are important stabilizer of substrata that later become suitable for higher plant colonization. Extensive bryophyte mats are significant in the water balance of the forest. They can rapidly absorbe water and nutrients directly through the walls of the stem and leaf cells. They prevent soil erosion as they have trample resistant structure and high regenerative ability. Some bryophytes provide suitable substrata for the biological fixation of N in association with cyanobacteria. The recent upsurge of interest in atmospheric pollution has revealed the bryophytes as bioindicators of pollution and accumulators of heavy metals. The ability of bryophytes to grow on open and nutrient poor sites and tolerance to desiccation, can be exploited in successful stabilization of soil on road sides and open sites. Bryophytes also harbour a number of invertibrates and provide them shelter, food and a place for deposition of eggs.