An Introduction to Bryophyta

This endeavour is aimed to be comprehensive and innovative. It covers the entire course of reading in Bryology. After a brief Introduction, there is an account of array of diversity and development of Bryophytes. In three chapters on Liverworts, Hornworts and Mosses, one can find an illustrated and concise account of all representative types. It is followed by comparative morphology. In two chapters on Gametophyte and Sporophyte are unraveled the elements of unity in diversity. Due emphasis has been given to experimental studies. In five chapters are traced the events of life cycle; Spore germination, Protonema differentiation and Gametophyte initiation, Sexuality and Sporophyte development, Regeneration, and Alternation of generations. Experimental studies - a backbone of this book - are not only interesting in a class room but informative to decipher different aspects of differentiation. Finally, there is food for thought in chapters on Cytogenetics and Evolution, and Origin and Fossil History. At the end is an extensive bibliography of old and new Literature, for further reading.