Which of the following plants has high water retention capacity and is used to provide moisture to plants?

Options

A. Sphagnum
B. Botrychilum
C. Marsilea
D. Marchantia

Answer

To determine which plant has a high water retention capacity and is used to provide moisture to other plants, we can analyze the options provided:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Options**: The options given are:
- A) Sphagnum
- B) Botrygulum
- C) Marsilia
- D) Mercantile

2. **Understand the Characteristics of Each Plant**:
- **Sphagnum**: This plant is commonly known as peat moss and belongs to the bryophyte category. Bryophytes, including mosses and liverworts, are known for their ability to retain water.
- **Botrygulum**: This plant is a type of pteridophyte, specifically known as moonwort. Pteridophytes generally do not have significant water retention capabilities compared to bryophytes.
- **Marsilia**: This is also a pteridophyte, commonly referred to as water clover. While it is aquatic, it does not have the same water retention capacity as sphagnum.
- **Mercantile**: This plant is another type of liverwort, which falls under the bryophyte category. However, its water retention capacity is lower than that of sphagnum.

3. **Compare Water Retention Capacities**:
- Sphagnum has a high water retention capacity and is widely used to provide moisture to other plants, especially during transplantation.
- Botrygulum and Marsilia do not have high water retention capacities.
- Mercantile has lower water retention compared to sphagnum.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, **Sphagnum** is the plant with the highest water retention capacity and is used to provide moisture to other plants.

### Final Answer:
**A) Sphagnum**

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