Did you know that there is a fourth space in the Earth’s environment? The atmospheric space (introduced in Blog 2), the underwater ocean (introduced in Blog 3), the soil (introduced in Blog 4), and the space 15 mm above the soil surface are spaces where the atmosphere is almost motionless. Air flows constantly in the atmospheric space. Westerly winds flow in the sky, and temperature differences cause convection in the atmosphere, causing the air to constantly move. Numerous small, slow turbulences occur in the space near the Earth’s surface, creating a turbulent layer and a layer of air where the atmosphere is almost motionless between the turbulent layer and the space 15 mm above the surface. This space is called the boundary layer. Moss lives in this space.
Moss evolved from algae (such as kelp and wakame seaweed) 450-470 million years ago and was one of the earliest organisms to inhabit land. It is considered the ancestor of land-covering plants and grows in clean air. Moss requires clean water to function, but it is also drought-resistant, surviving harsh environments. When moss loses moisture, it enters a state of suspended animation and ceases activity. It revives and resumes activity when it receives water from rain or other sources. Moss utilizes sunlight to perform photosynthesis. It produces energy (carbohydrates) from water and carbon dioxide to sustain itself. At the same time, it supplies oxygen to the land, providing the oxygen necessary for animals and humans to survive. Moss does not have roots; instead, it spreads its leaves and absorbs water and nutrients directly. It prefers moist environments and grows in forests, on tree bark, and on rocks. Moss penetrates rock crevices and, over time, breaks down rock into sand. Moss also adheres to metal surfaces and decomposes over time. In this way, they purify the global environment by breaking down various substances, and are one of the organisms that create an environment on Earth where living things can live.
Please note: References are provided in the Japanese blog with Amazon links.