Moss among three divisions: Bryophyta, Marchantiophyta and Anthocerotophyta. The current circumscription of Bryophyta includes only the mosses. The mosses, now division Bryophyta (Bryophyta sensu stricto), are divided into eight classes: Six of the eight classes contain only one or two genera each. Polytrichopsida includes 23 genera, and Bryopsida includes the majority of moss diversity with over 95% of moss species belonging to this class. The Sphagnopsida, the peat-mosses, comprise the two living genera "Ambuchanania" and "Sphagnum", as well as fossil taxa. However, the genus "Sphagnum" is a diverse, widespread, and economically important one. These large mosses form extensive acidic bogs in
Portlethen Moss have been enhanced by proximity to the sea and natural defensive protection of the moss to impede intruders. From Tacitus accounts of the Roman general Agricola, it is known that the Romans were daunted by Portlethen Moss, Netherley Red Moss, Cookney Moss and other local bogs that hindered travel. This is also evidenced by the Roman Camp of Raedykes having been established immediately south of this cluster of mosses; the Romans not being able to progress further north, turned inland toward Netherley.The Portlethen Moss is near the Grampian Mountains. The ancient Causey Mounth passage specifically connected the Bridge of Dee