The phylum Bryophyta, commonly known as the mosses, is a large group of small, non-vascular plants that thrive in moist, shaded environments across the globe. Unlike vascular plants, mosses lack true roots, stems, and leaves, instead having rhizoid structures that anchor them and absorb water. They reproduce through spores rather than seeds, with a life cycle dominated by the gametophyte stage. Mosses play important ecological roles by helping to retain soil moisture, preventing erosion, and providing habitat for small organisms. They are often found carpeting forest floors, covering rocks, or forming dense mats in bogs and wetlands, where they contribute significantly to nutrient and water cycling.