The bryophytes along with the pteridophytes have sharply defined heteromorphy alternation of generation in which gametophytes and saprophytic generations are clearly distinguished. The characters of bryophytes are:
1. Plant body is foliose gametophytes.
2. The bryophytes are amphibious in habit which means that the plants have started migrating to land. This is in contrast to algae where habit is completely aquatic.
3. Plant body is multi cellular, many celled thick, fixed to the soil by special organs like rhizoid or scales.
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4. Sex organs are multi cellular with a sterile jacket layer.
5. Motile asexual spores are absent.
6. Zygote develops into multi cellular embryo which later forms multi cellular sporogonium.