Taxonomic survey of bryophytes in man-made habitats within the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Bryophytes are the first plant group that evolved on land and play a major role in soil formation providing a surface for new plants and microorganisms. They have a dominant gametophyte phase in their life cycle and the sporophyte depends on the gametophyte plant. This heterogeneous plant group includes three phyla: Marchantiophyta (liverworts), Bryophyta (mosses), and Anthocerotophyta (hornworts). In addition to natural ecosystems, these plants have adapted to thrive in man-made ecosystems where they are colonized on different man-made substrates such as concrete, cement, clay, and plastic substrates. Man-made habitats are environments designed by humans for specific purposes. Bryophytes possess special adaptations that enable their survival in these ecosystems. However, the diversity of bryophytes in man-made habitats in Sri Lanka remains poorly studied. This research aims to taxonomically identify bryophytes thriving in different man-made habitats within the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka including buildings, walls, pavements, drains, gardens, footpaths, and artificial water bodies. For this study, 12 man-made habitats in the University of Peradeniya were selected and 30 bryophyte samples were collected into resealer bags. The morphological characters of these samples such as leaf arrangement, leaf cell structure, the presence or absence of papillae, and capsule features were observed using a light microscope. Identification was carried out using identification keys, monographs, and field guides. 11 bryophyte species, Hyophila involuta, Barbula unguiculata, Bryum argenteum, Bryum coronatum, Pohlia wahlenbergii, Entodon sp. 1, Entodon sp. 2, Fissidens sp. 1, and Fissidens sp. 2. were frequently found in the selected areas. Most bryophytes thrive on accumulated dead and decaying biotic matter on concrete and other man-made substrates, which provide nutrients and increase moisture retention, rather than growing directly on these surfaces. This adaptation allows bryophytes to survive in these harsh man-made environments. Additionally, bryophytes possess desiccation tolerance, enabling them to survive in extremely dry conditions. The unique ability of bryophytes to adapt to man-made habitats warrants further analysis by researchers. These findings contribute to understanding the features and ecological importance of bryophytes and aid in developing strategies for their conservation.