Bryophytes defy shade plant stereotype, revolutionizing understanding of photosynthesis.
Bryophytes like mosses and liverworts were studied to see if they act like shade plants. The researchers measured pigment levels and how much light these plants need for photosynthesis. They found that bryophytes don't always need a lot of light to grow, with some species thriving in low light conditions. Mosses and liverworts have different pigment levels, with mosses needing less light than liverworts to reach their full photosynthetic potential. Some moss species have special structures that help them take in more carbon dioxide, allowing them to grow in brighter areas. Overall, bryophytes can adapt to different light levels, but some species do better in shady environments.