Question

Which one has a good capacity for absorbing water, used in plants of cotton and as a fuel?
a) Marchantia
b) Riccia
c) Sphagnum
d) Funaria

Answer 1

Hint: Mosses that have a good absorbing quality of water are used for the transportation of plants in long distances. They can be used as a source of fuel and as a soil additive. It can be used to smoke malt in the production of whisky. They are also used to prevent soil erosion, and debris blow off.

Complete answer:
The died and decayed sphagnum is known as peat. It is used as a soil additive. It helps in improving the soil’s water retention capacity and also increases its ability to hold moisture and nutrients. This property of sphagnum is used for sandy soil and plants that need continuous moisture content in them. They are also used for the preservation of living substances. They have been used to preserve human bodies. The peat formed from the sphagnum also helps in the fuel generation. Sphagnum has been used as a dressing on the wound. It is also used as an alternative to providing sanitation in the swimming pools.

Additional information:
Marchantia has been of great use in providing the treatment of wounds and infection. It is also used to treat the inflammation of an open wound. It has also been used to investigate biological processes. Riccia is used in medical treatment. They are used for external treatment to cure ringworm. They have been also used to treat various illnesses which include cardiovascular, bronchitis, and skin diseases. Funaria is used in pots having bonsai and bonsai they help in providing vegetation of intermediate size.
So, the answer is ‘c) Sphagnum’.

Note: Moss is a phylum of nonvascular plants. They are of great economic importance as they are used for various purposes. They have good retention quality. Most of the mosses are used for medicinal purposes and help in curing various serious ailments.