Diversity of algae and cyanobacteria on the ecological altitudinal profile from mountain forest to tundra (Northern Urals)

Abstract

We studied the species richness of cyanobacteria and algae of biological soil crusts on bare substrates in different mountain vegetation types at the Northern Urals. The diversity and structure of BSC algal communities showed a relationship with environmental factors (altitude, soil pH and humidity, and illumination). The dominant complex of cyanobacteria and algal species in BSC was specific for each type of plant community. The species diversity and morphological organization of the BSC algae thalli can be used as indicators for assessing possible transformation of the structure of plant communities under climatic changes in mountainous areas.