Because of their small size, bryophytes are able to
occupy microsites in otherwise unfavorable habitats.
Their ability to recover from dehydration typically
correlates with habitat, with aquatic bryophytes having
little ability to tolerate dehydration and resume
photosynthesis, whereas dry habitat bryophytes can
withstand extended periods of desiccation. In aquatic
bryophytes, ribosomes can be damaged irreversibly and
membranes are more likely to be damaged than in dry
habitat taxa. On the other hand, there is no difference
in nitrogen reductase activity between dry and wet
habitat bryophytes.