Question

Peat is used as a fuel in some countries. Remains of which plant gives rise to peat?
(a) Moss
(b) Ferns
(c) Angiosperms
(d) Gymnosperms

Answer 1

Hint There are mainly four types of coal- peat, lignite, bituminous and anthracite. Out of these, peat is the poorest quality of coal which contains less than 40% of carbon. It contains mostly moisture. As it is difficult to ignite peat, still it is used as a fuel in some countries such as China, Indonesia, Russia, Finland etc.

Complete answer
Mosses are included under bryophytes. Mosses usually grow in moist environmental conditions. Economically, they are important. Some mosses are used as a food by herbaceous animals. They also help in ecological succession by breaking down substrata which helps in release of nutrients on which new complex plants grow. The dead and decayed organic matter of Sphagnum moss is mined and used as a fuel in some countries.
Ferns are the pteridophytes that have little economic importance. They grow in warm and shady conditions. They are used as a food, bio fertilizer and medicine. Some of them act as bioindicators which indicate the environmental health and hence, used for research purposes.
Angiosperms are the flowering plants that have several uses. They are a major source of grains, fruits and vegetables. Various oils and spices are also obtained from them. They are also important for various medicinal and industrial needs.
Gymnosperms are the plants in which seeds are naked. They are also called conifers that grow in cold climatic conditions. They have various industrial uses. They are used in making paper, resin and gums. They are also used for making perfumes.

Thus the answer to the above question is (A) Moss; this is because the major source of organic fuel peat is the Sphagnum moss. Sphagnum moss is also called peat moss.

Note: Bryophytes are mainly divided into mosses and liverworts. Vascular system is absent in bryophytes. They are called amphibians of the plant kingdom because they require both land and water in their life cycle. They grow on land but for asexual reproduction, they require water.