More specifically, mosses have a life cycle that alternates between two generations:

* Gametophyte: This is the dominant, green, leafy stage that we typically think of as moss. The gametophyte produces gametes (sperm and egg) in specialized structures called antheridia and archegonia, respectively.

* Sporophyte: This is a short-lived, stalk-like structure that grows from the gametophyte. The sporophyte produces spores, which are dispersed by the wind and can develop into new gametophytes.

So, while the gametophyte is the more visible stage, the spores produced by the sporophyte are the key to moss reproduction and growth.