Difference Between Algae and Bryophytes
Last Updated :
26 Jul, 2023
Difference Between Algae and Bryophytes: Algae and bryophytes are two distinct groups of organisms belonging to the plant kingdom. While both share some similarities, they also exhibit several fundamental differences. The chloroplast pigments present in bryophytes are similar to that of the green algae. The food material stored in both of them is starch. The main feature which differentiates them is the higher level of organization and the organs present in the bryophytes. Understanding these differences is crucial for comprehending the characteristics, adaptations, and ecological roles of each group.
Difference Between Algae and Bryophytes
The differences between Algae and Bryophytes are discussed below:
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Algae are plant-like organisms, which are classified under the kingdom Protista.
| Bryophytes are a division of non-vascular land plants classified under the kingdom Plantae.
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They grow in aquatic habitats.
| They grow in most shady places.
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Algae can be multicellular and as well as unicellular.
| Bryophytes are always multicellular.
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Pores or stomata are absent in the algae.
| There is a gaseous exchange that occurs through pores or stomata.
|
No Embryo formation occurs.
| The embryo is formed in the zygote.
|
occurs isogamous, anisogamous, or monogamous.
| Sexual Reproduction occurs only through oogamous.
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Produces a small number of pollen grains.
| Produces a large number of pollen grains.
|
What is Algae?
Algae is an organism that plays a very significant role in ecosystems. They are the primary oxygen producers in fresh and marine water. Algae are plant-like organisms, which are classified under the kingdom Protista. Algae are mostly found in marine, freshwater, and wastewater habitats. They are unicellular. As most of the algae are autotrophs, they contain photosynthetic pigments in their cells. Algae play an important role in ecosystems such as fresh and marine water, as primary producers and oxygen producers.
Characteristics of Algae
- Algae can be either unicellular or multicellular organisms.
- Algae lack a well-defined body, so, structures like roots, stems or leaves are absent.
- Algae are found where there is adequate moisture.

What are Bryophytes?
Bryophytes, on the other hand, are the most primitive land plants. They are classified under the kingdom of Plantae. Bryophytes are not seed-producing or flowering plants. They are mostly autotrophs. Bryophytes are macroscopic plants whose size varies from a millimeter tall to long strands of about one meter. Rootlike structures called rhizoids allow the plant to anchor on a surface. In bryophytes, asexual reproduction occurs by fragmentation and small aggregations called gemmae. The sperm is carried to the eggs through the water during the process of sexual reproduction.
Characteristics of Bryophytes
- It is attached to the substratum by rhizoids, which are unicellular or multicellular.
- The zygote develops into a multicellular sporophyte.
- Cells of sporophytes undergo meiosis to form haploid gametes which form a gametophyte.

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