Evolution of Bryophytes

Evolution of Bryophytes

Bryophytes probably evolved from green algae. Because bryophytes are mainly delicate plants, they did not fossilize well, so the time when they first appeared is difficult to estimate. Bryophytes form an evolutionary sideline of early land plants, although Hornworts probably shared a common ancestor with ferns and higher plants. Hornworts now form only a small group but their close cousins, Mosses and Liverworts, can be found all over the world. [CH] {ML}