What is the role of capsule in life history of moss?

The sporophyte consists of three structures, a foot which anchors it to the gametophyte and helps to transfer water and nutrients from the gametophyte, a long erect stalk called a seta, and a pod-like capsule at the end where spores are produced. A capsule may contain from four, to more than a million, spores, depending on the species. In most mosses, the mouth of the capsule is covered by a lid-like operculum, which falls off when the spores are mature. A membranous hood, the calyptra, which is also discarded at maturity, further protects the operculum. A tiny tooth-like structure around the mouth of the capsule, which consists of one or two rows of teeth, controls the release of the spores. These structures called the peristome remain closed during wet conditions and preventing the release of the spore. In dry conditions, they open to allowing the discharging of the spores and improve their chances of the spore being dispersed some distance. If spore falls onto a damp area of ground, it may germinate into a branching, threadlike filamentous protonema. Buds from the protonema then grow into leafy male or female gametophytes, completing the life cycle. read less