Antoceros are a very little known group of small plants. So much so that for many years they were part of the group of Loas Briophytes. However, recent studies have shown that these plants have structures closer to those found in current plants and that, in addition, they are genetically related to the upper plants. And it is that the antoceros have the perfect fusion between a Gametophyte and a sporophyte. With more 300 species distributed throughout the world, Antoceros are plants that seek humidity and warm temperatures, as well as nearby water sources for optimal growth.
In this ecology article, we explain in more detail What are antoceros, their characteristics and examplesas well as its importance within the environment of our planet.
What are the antholeros
The Antoceros (Anthoceros) They belong to one of the three divisions of the Briófitas plants specifically to the Anthoceotophyta. The other two divisions within the Bryophyta, They are liver plants and mosses. All of them are commonly known and together as Non -vascular plants.
Specifically, antholeros are distinguished by having a flat and leaf -shaped body, normally elongated and cylindrical. You can find them throughout the planet, but they usually prosper more in tropical habitats, since they are plants that need Wet and shaded environments.
However, these small plants clearly differ from the rest of mosses, ferns and other liver, thanks to their plant cells have a single cell chloroplast, just unlike the other divisions within non -vascular plants, which do have several cell chloroplasts. Similarly, Antoceros also have unicellular rizoids, hair -shaped filaments, which perform a structural function to keep the plant fixed.
To learn more details of this topic, we also advise you to know the briophite plants: examples and characteristics.
Characteristics of Antoceros
These are the main characteristics of antholeros:
- They have a dorsiventrally flattened talus and that usually form rosettes. The talos of the anticers are composed of thin wall cells, which adhere to the substrate by smooth curls.
- It is common to see algae colonies in the talos, forming a symbiosis of the antoceros.
- The habitat of the antoceros is located in humid and shaded environments, typical of the subtropical and tropical regions. They can be from mountainous areas to the margins of the rivers, although they can adapt to warm climates, but do not support frost.
- The reproduction of the antoceros can be sexual and asexual. In the case of sexual reproduction, spores are formed by meiosis from haploid cells. These develop inside the capsule until they mature and are released. It will be the vintage and the rain that spread them until they anchor with the substrate. It is the same type of reproduction that equishes and lycopodians use. On the other hand, asexual reproduction occurs through mitosis, a part of the talus to give rise to a new individual identical to the parent.
Examples of anticers
Next, we have made a list of the most important families within the classification of these plants to complete a list rich in classes and Antoceros species:
Anthoceros sp.
Within the Anthoceraceae family we find more than 120 species already identified. This kind of antoceros is characterized by the form taken by the sporangio and the dark color of its spores.
Folioceros sp.
Another of the genres of non -vascular plants belonging to antholeros with more than 40 identified species. Antoceros of this type are located, mainly Asian continent. In addition, gametophytic talus has small yellowish green ramifications and reach a maximum of 3 centimeters long.
Nothoceros sp.
Antoceros genre belonging to the dendrocetaceae family of eastern North America, South America and New Zealand. Until the time of the more than 16 species cataloged only half is officially recognized.
Importance of antoceros
They perform an important one Ecological function in forests where they live:
- They help create a richer environment for the growth of other species and prevent water stress from being created.
- Antoceros help avoid the erosion of the soil thanks to their adherent and fixing properties that help this not to give off.
- They improve environmental quality thanks to their production in large amounts of carbon and nitrogen.
- In addition, they shelter many animal species, such as small invertebrates, and are a source of food for other species, both vertebrates and invertebrates.
- Antoceros have begun to be used as indicators of Arsenal Mineral for the creation of mob. In the same way, they are also used as bioindicators to measure water pollution, to stop excess moisture for the growth of some types of seeds and to provide oxygen at the same time to beautify many aquariums and, in fact, some fish leave their eggs in them.
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