Distinct patterns of genome size evolution in each bryophyte lineage are not correlated with whole genome duplication

There is no correlation between genome size and WGD or between genome size and chromosome number, potentially suggesting rapid genome downsizing following WGD. Given that bryophytes are poikilohydric (desiccation-tolerant) plants, having large genomes might be physiologically prohibitive given the cost to growth and metabolism associated with them. These findings emphasize the unique evolution of the bryophytes broadly and of the hornworts, liverworts and mosses individually, and should therefore serve as impetus for more in-depth experimental studies of genome size evolution and WGD in bryophytes.