James Shaw, age 12, of Poteau, Okla., for his question:

HOW DOES MOSS GROW?

Moss is made up of soft green plants that often form pads by growing close together. Mosses can live in damp locations or in dry, warm places.

New moss plants are usually formed in two stages: sexual and asexual. Male sperm and female ova are formed at the top of the moss stem during the sexual stage. The asexual stage takes place when certain cells divide and form spores, which serve as tiny seeds.

Moss spores are scattered and often sprout wherever it is damp and warm enough. In the hot sun, some mosses curl their leaves and look brown and dead. But showers and cooler weather make the moss look green and fresh again. Some mosses show the moisture changes in the air by turning different shades of green with changes in the humidity.