How does the distance from the ground affects the abundance of different species of moss on a rocky surface wall?
How does the distance from the ground affects the abundance of different species of moss on a rocky surface wall?
Problem/issue: Mosses are very small green plants that grow together forming dense carpets in clusters on fallen logs, at the base of trees or in damp, shady places. Their structure consists of a thick stem, densely covered with tiny leaves. Moss plants do not possess true roots. Instead, mosses derive their nutrients and moisture from the air. Moss affects the communities in which they live since they provide food and shelter to small insects and animals. Moss also protects soil and keeps slopes from erosion during rainstorms or severe weather. Thus it can help to form a new soil by an acid produced by the moss roots which breaks down into the soil turning dead moss parts into humus so larger plants will have enough soil to grow. In addition this acid slowly softens the rock when they grow in shade over rocks. Moss structure makes their water-absorbing cells unable to reach more than 2cm into the ground and their leaves can lose water very easily. Therefore moss that grows on a damp, rocky wall will preferably be more abundant near to the ground since they need water to survive and maintain other organisms’ communities.
