Final answer:
In mosses, the dominant and visible stage is the haploid gametophyte, which facilitates photosynthesis. The diploid sporophyte emerges from the gametophyte, depending on it for nutrients, and is where spores are produced and released to propagate the life cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the life cycle of mosses, the most visible and familiar stage is the haploid gametophyte. This stage encompasses the green, leafy structure that is often seen covering damp surfaces such as rocks and trees. The gametophyte is responsible for photosynthesis and is equipped with rhizoids that help anchor the plant, though they are not the primary route for water and mineral absorption. From this structure, a diploid sporophyte emerges, which is dependent on the gametophyte for its sustenance.
The sporophyte consists of a seta and a sporangium, also known as a capsule, atop the seta. Within the sporangium, spores are produced through meiosis and eventually released, continuing the cycle of life for mosses. This pattern of alternation of generations, where a haploid gametophyte alternates with a diploid sporophyte, is a characteristic reproductive strategy among bryophytes, albeit with varying dominance between the two stages across different plant species.