FERNS
1. Examine a fern frond carefully. Notice whether the upper epidermis is
shiny or dull. Notice whether the lower epidermis is shiny or dull.
Record observations.
2. Sketch a diagram of the fern frond. Include title underlined below.
Label frond and leaflet.
3. Bend the frond gently back and forth. Notice whether the frond
bends easily. Record observations.
4. Use a ruler to measure the length and width in centimeters. Record
observations.
5. Cut a small piece of leaflet, make a wet mount and examine it under
the microscope at low power. Sketch what you see. Include title,
underlined below drawing, and magnification. (Get help from the
teacher if you do not know how to calculate magnification.)
MOSSES
6. Remove a few moss plants from the clump of moss provided.
7. Bend the moss plant gently back and forth. Notice whether it bends
easily. Record observations.
8. Use a ruler to measure the length and width in centimeters. Record
observations.
9. Remove a single moss plant from the clump of moss. Make a wet mount
of the moss plant and examine under low power.
10. Draw what you see. Include title. Label photosynthetic region (leaflike structures) and rhizoids (root-like structures). Include
magnification.
FERN SPORES
11. Obtain some fern spores from the teacher. Make a wet mount of the
spores. Examine under low and the medium power.
12. Sketch under medium power. Include title and magnification.
13. Clean and dry all slides.
14. Return all equipment to its place.
15. Clean up your work area.
16. Answer the lab questions.
Questions
1. What structures are found inside the moss capsule?
2. Why do moss plants grow close to the ground?
3. Why is moss rarely found in dry habitats?
4. What is the reproductive structure of a moss called/
5. How are ferns similar to mosses and liverworts?
6. What is the reproductive structure of a fern called?
7. Why are ferns found in a greater range of habitats than mosses?
8. What are located on the lower epidermis of the fern frond?
9. Which surface of the fern is shinier? Why?
10.
Which is firmer, the moss or the fern? Why?
11.
Why is the fern able to grow taller than the moss?
12.
Why are mosses usually found in shady areas?