The defining trait of these organisms is the absence of a vascular system—the —that other plants use to transport water and nutrients. Because they lack these specialized tissues, nonvascular plants have several unique characteristics:
Don't let their size fool you—nonvascular organisms are ecological powerhouses. Nonvascular Plants | Characteristics & Examples - Lesson
The Quiet Pioneers: Exploring the World of Nonvascular Organisms
: Without internal support or long-distance transport, they remain small and low to the ground to stay near water.