Preface

The world is changing rapidly due to anthropic interference, and groups of living beings little known by the population, both in their culture and in practical applications, are the most impacted. This impact can have very big implications if we consider the fragility of the different species of Bryophyta. Bryophytes are the most primitive group of plants, generally consisting of leaves one-cell thick, stems without conductive tissues, and sexual reproduction by male gamete mobile by flagella and ultimately resulting in the formation of spores asexually.

The group is divided into mosses (Phylum Bryophyta), hornworts (Anthocerotophyta), and liverworts (Marchantiophyta), with differences in the thallus and the level of cellular organization between them. Stomata can already be found (rarely), but they are still primitive and not very necessary judging from the one-cell thickness of the leaf of most species. In this way, they are very simple and fragile and can be quickly eliminated from an area by some atmospheric pollutant (since they basically feed on what is dissolved in the relative humidity of the air) or by forest fires.

If we consider the data on the impact of the great forest fires occurring in several important ecosystems around the globe, the impact on Bryophyta is gigantic. Despite this, few studies on Bryophyta have been conducted simply because there are not enough scientists.

Attracting young people's attention to this group of plants so that they start to study them or at least protect them depends on the existence of books and other literature to pave the way for future research. This book is an attempt to further our understanding and knowledge of Bryophyta. It is organized into 4 sections and 6 chapters.

Chapter 1 is an introductory chapter that discusses different areas where the Bryophyta have been subjects of applied research and what can be done to train and attract more scientists to study this group. The Bryophyta are presented as an extremely resistant group to different environmental conditions, even though they are very fragile. The possibility of being used as bioindicators, as accumulators of pollutants, or even as carbon reserves at a time of great need to reduce their rates in the atmosphere has led to considering the group vitally important in controlling the agents that are causing climate change and harmful effects on human health.

Chapter 2, "Diversity of Epiphytic Mosses (Bryophyta) in Forests of *Polylepis* (Rosaceae) in the Urubamba Mountain Range, Cusco, Peru", presents results of a taxonomic survey of Bryophyta in this understudied region. The work reveals three new occurrences for the country and fourteen new occurrences for the Cusco region (4300–4800 m of altitude). The study reveals how important it is to preserve the formations with this bush to guarantee the maintenance of the diversity of mosses in the region. Similar studies in similar formations in other high-altitude regions may reveal many novelties in terms of phytogeography of different species.

Chapter 3, "Bryophyta around Syamsudin Noor International Airport, South Kalimantan, Indonesia", presents the results of a study of diversity in the area around an airport in Indonesia. The study reveals interesting data that may allow for similar studies at other airports around the world, revealing the impact of air transport on moss communities. The data may also allow monitoring changes in the community in the future with the increase in the number of flights and the increase in the population, which may indicate that the species are resistant to pollution and can be used as bioindicators of air quality.

Section 3, "Interactions: Bryophytes and Other Organisms", begins with Chapter 4, "Bryophilous Agaricomycetes (Fungi, Basidiomycota): A Review to Brazil". This chapter reviews the mushroom species associated with bryophytes, which are considered a type of parasite. Few studies have been carried out on organisms associated with bryophytes, especially cyanobacteria, algae, fungi, and lichens, whose ecological relationship still needs to be better explained. In a country with a vast territory like Brazil, a more in-depth survey of these groups still does not exist. Considering the worldwide surveys, more studies are also needed, especially with the combined efforts of specialists in these areas. In Brazil, most species of Agaricomycetes fungi parasitizing mosses have been found at high altitudes and with high humidity.

Chapter 5, "Why Are Moss Biocrusts Necessary for System Conservation in a Semiarid Region of Southern Argentina?", evaluates moss biocrusts, establishing their composition in mosses as the dominant one and verifying the impact that inadequate management, fire, and other anthropic activities determine in this almost desert formation. They are associated with the shrub steppe and herbaceous formations, having in their composition cyanobacteria, algae, fungi, and lichens. Their fragility in extreme conditions requires the creation of more conservation areas for this rich, complex species and adequate management in areas with agriculture and livestock.

Finally, in the last section, Chapter 6 "Protein Glycosylation in Bryophytes Differs Subtly from That in Vascular Plants", examines the biochemical novelties found in bryophytes and how they differ from other groups of plants, especially with regard to N-glycan biosynthesis. The work demonstrates the rich world of Bryophyta biochemistry, which could guarantee new drugs in the future.

Special thanks go to Author Service Manager Maja Bozicevic at IntechOpen for his outstanding work throughout the preparation and publication of this book.

Special Sincere thanks also go to the chapter authors who answered a call in the middle of the end of a pandemic and dedicated time in their research to contribute to the publication of this book.

> **Jair Putzke** Universidade Federal do Pampa, Curso de Pós graduação em Ciências Biológicas, São Gabriel, Brazil

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Section 1

Introduction

Section 1 Introduction

**Chapter 1**
