How are nonvascular plants characterized?

Nonvascular plants are specifically characterized by the absence of specialized conducting tissues, which are necessary for the transport of water and nutrients throughout the plant. Unlike vascular plants that have structures such as xylem and phloem to facilitate this movement, nonvascular plants rely on simple diffusion and osmosis to transport substances. This lack of specialized tissue means they are typically smaller in size, and their growth is often limited to moist environments where water is readily available.

In addition, nonvascular plants include groups like mosses and liverworts, which do not have roots, stems, or leaves in the typical sense. Their structure allows them to absorb water and nutrients directly from their surroundings rather than through a complex system, further emphasizing the importance of their nonvascular nature. These characteristics make them distinct from vascular plants, which possess complex structures that support larger growth and more diverse habitats.