Abstract
The global latitudinal gradient in biodiversity weakens in the high polar biome and so an alternative explanation for distribution of Arctic and Antarctic photoautotrophs is required. Here we identify how temporal, microclimate and evolutionary drivers of biogeography are important, rather than the macroclimate features that drive plant diversity patterns elsewhere. High polar ecosystems are biologically unique, with a more central role for bryophytes, lichens and microbial photoautotrophs over that of vascular plants. Constraints on vascular plants arise mainly due to stature and ontogenetic barriers. Conversely non-vascular plant and microbial photoautotroph distribution is correlated with favorable microclimates and the capacity for poikilohydric dormancy. Contemporary distribution also depends on evolutionary history, with adaptive and dispersal traits as well as legacy influencing biogeography. We highlight the relevance of these findings to predicting future impacts on diversity of polar photoautotrophs and to the current status of plants in Arctic and Antarctic conservation policy frameworks.
Highlights
Biogeography of photoautotrophs in the high polar biomePointing 1*, Burkhard Büdel 2, Peter Convey 3,4, Len N
The polar regions exhibit a polar frost climate (Peel and Finlayson, 2007) with summer mean temperatures near freezing
We illustrate contemporary biogeographic patterns for vascular plants, nonvascular plants and lichenised and free-living photoautotrophic microorganisms; collectively referred to as plants to reflect the importance of microbial photoautotrophy in polar regions (Aleksandrova, 1988; Vincent, 2000; Jungblut et al, 2010)
Summary
Pointing 1*, Burkhard Büdel 2, Peter Convey 3,4, Len N. Gillman 1*, Christian Körner 5, Sebastian Leuzinger 1 and Warwick F. Specialty section: This article was submitted to Functional Plant Ecology, a section of the journal
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have