Select the form of the moss

Acrocarpous mosses produce sporophytes from the tip of their stem. Generally they grow in a vertical fashion in tight tufts that typically are not branched and never grow pinnately. Acrocarpous mosses grow in a variety of habitats, from the tops of trees to along stream beds. However, they will not grow in a habitat where they are continuously submerged in water.

Pleurocarpous mosses differ from acrocarpous mosses by generally growing in a horizontal matted fashion, producing sporophytes from the axials of the branches and stems. Typically the sporophytes are more commonly produced on lower branches. Pleurocarpous mosses can also grow in a large variety of habitats, including those where the mosses are completely submerged.