Question

Sphagnum is also called peat moss because?
A. It grows in acidic marshes (bog) and helps in peat formation
B. It is found in peat
C. It decays to form peat
D. It gets fossilized quickly

Answer 1

Hint:
Sphagnum belongs to the division Bryophyta of the kingdom Plantae and shows alternation of generation. It is found in wet areas and the accumulations of sphagnum can store water. Both living and dead plants can hold water inside their cells.

Complete step by step answer:
-Option (A) is correct. Sphagnum is called peat moss because it grows in acidic marshes (bog) and helps in peat formation. The Sphagnum that has been decayed and dried is known as the peat or peat moss. As most of the dead material in peat bog comes from the Sphagnum that grew on top of that bog, Therefore, sphagnum can also be called peat moss.
-Option (B) is incorrect. Sphagnum helps in the formation of peat that is why it is called peat moss but not because it is found in peat.
-Option (C) is incorrect. Sphagnum grows on the top of peat bog and when it dies, much of its dead material is found in the peat bog. Thus, it does not decay to form peat.
-Option (D) is incorrect. Fossilization of Sphagnum is a slow process that takes about thousands of years.

Hence, the correct option is (A).

Note:
Sphagnum likes acidic soil and grows in acidic marshes on the top of the peat bog. Thus, the dried and decayed material of Sphagnum in the peat bog gives it the name peat moss. This peat moss can be used as a soil conditioner that will increase the soil’s capacity to hold water as well as nutrients. Also, it helps in inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi because of its absorptive and acidic nature.