A hidden world: The role of non-vascular plants in ecosystem functioning and climate regulation

Non-vascular plants (NVPs) which fall into their general definition, such as bryophytes as well the algae and fungi (that are not plants taxonomically) constitute fundamentally but often forgotten contributors to ecosystem functioning and climate regulation. NVPs are also characterized by a unique suite of physiological and structural attributes contributing to their success in a wide array of frequently harsh habitats despite the lack of vascular tissues such as xylem and phloem. Their ecological roles are soil formation, nutrient cycling, water retention and creation of microhabitats for biodiversity. Furthermore, NVPs are major contributors to global carbon sequestration with bryophytes as the key plant in peatland systems and algae in aquatic including marine ecosystems which help reduce climate warming. However, these organisms are still largely missing from environmental models and conservation management plans as current understanding of their ecological significance is poor. This review compiles actual data concerning the structural and functional diversity among NVPs to emphasize the importance of these organisms in key ecosystem services. It also demonstrates their use in biotechnological areas like phytoremediation, sustainable fertilizers production and climate-resilient habitats restoration. It additionally elucidates new threats to NVPs such as habitat destruction and climate-driven stress, offering a plea for their incorporation into environmental policy and scientific investigation. Two summary tables present their ecological functions and climate-related mechanisms, whereas descriptive figures depict the global distribution and functional roles. The focus on NVPs in the ecological assessment is essential for improving ecosystem stability and for the provision of sustainable responses to climate pressures.