Question

Botanical name of peat moss is
A. Sphagnum
B. Funaria
C. Anthoceros
D. Polytrichum

Answer 1

Hint: Botanical names are unique names used by the scientific community to accurately and universally identify plant species. Sphagnum is a genus of mosses which is commonly known as "peat moss".

Complete answer:
In this question, we have asked about the botanical name of peat moss. The biological name of peat moss is Sphagnum. Sphagnum is called peat moss, but it is different from peat moss.
Peat moss is dead fibrous material formed from decomposition of mosses and other living material in peat bogs. Peat moss is composed of moss, and it decomposes without the presence of air with a slow rate of decomposition while sphagnum is a living moss found in wet and boggy areas.
Sphagnum can store water, as both living and dead plants hold large quantities of water inside their cells. Plants may hold 16 to 26 times as much water as their dry weight. So, we can say dead and dried sphagnum moss is called peat moss. They are used for soil conditioning as they increase the soil's water holding capacity and capacity to hold nutrients by increasing capillary forces and cation exchange capacity. We have four options: Sphagnum, Funaria, Anthoceros and Polytrichum. As we know, the botanical name of peat moss is Sphagnum.

So, the correct option is A. Sphagnum.

Note:
Sphagnum or peat moss is a natural, organic soil conditioner as they increase the holding capacity of soil for water and nutrients. Sphagnum also regulates moisture and air around the plant roots for making suitable conditions of root growth and development.