Genome size varies dramatically across land plants, but bryophytes consistently have some of the smallest genomes. Why? This study explores how genome size, chromosome number, and whole genome duplication (WGD) interact across mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. (2/8)

Using a phylogenetic comparative approach, researchers reconstructed the evolutionary history of these traits across bryophytes, introducing a new metric to assess polyploidy based on chromosome counts. (3/8)

Key findings:
✅ Each bryophyte lineage shows distinct genome evolution patterns.
✅ Mosses have the most dynamic genome sizes and highest frequency of WGD.
✅ 21.3% of mosses and 13% of liverworts are naturally polyploid. (4/8)