As mentioned, mosses form huge masses in bogs throughout the world. Mosses are often epiphytes. Most water absorption is from the surface cells of the moss plant. Like most Bryophytes, mosses can desiccate, or dehydrate for long periods without permanent damage. Sexual Reproduction Water is required for transfer of the motile sperm to egg.
Most antheridia are in terminal disk-shaped clusters to facilitate water capture for sperm transfer.
The vase-shaped archegonia produce one egg. After fertilization, the sporophyte grows out of the archegonium, and nutrients for the developing sporophyte are provided by the gametophyte. The sporophyte consists of a foot, anchored in the archegonium, a seta, or stalk, which elevates the sporangium, or capsule. Typically, a portion of the gametophyte, called the calyptra , protects and covers the developing capsule. Meiosis in the capsule produces haploid spores.