WHY ARE MOSSES IMPORTANT?

Mosses are vitally important to their ecosystems in a number of ways. In many ecosystems, mosses store a wealth of water and nutrients and are key components in maintaining a proper nutrient cycle in forests. In some cases, the mosses of a forest can store as much water as a small canopy, and can help moderate the release of water into an ecosystem. 

For many insects, mosses represent a perfect place to lay their eggs and raise their young. The dense cushions of moss shelter their young from potentially disruptive fluctuations in wind and humidity conditions, as well as conceal them from predators that would eat them. 

In ecosystems that have been disturbed or destroyed, mosses and similar life forms are often the first organisms that are able to grow after severe disturbances. Over time, these organisms will live and die and help rebuild the soil, and therefore the ecosystem. 

In urban environments, mosses can be helpful as a monitor of air pollutants due to their ability to absorb nutrients (and particulate matter) from their environments. Mosses are significantly more helpful than standard testing because they are an all-in-one, 24/7 testing service able to detect almost any kind of pollutant at whatever time it was emitted.