Earthworm-mediated bryophyte dispersal: an experimental study

ABSTRACTBryophytes and pteridophytes are important contributors to ecosystem services in boreal regions. Abiotic agents are considered their main dispersers, but recent studies suggest that biotic agents including invertebrates, birds and large mammals might also be efficient dispersal agents. Dispersal of cryptogams by ground-dwelling small mammals is often assumed to occur, but has yet to be demonstrated. In this study, we present the first evidence of boreal cryptogam species being dispersed by ground-dwelling small mammals. In 2013 and 2014, we recorded bryophyte cover and fern presence in 35 sites in black spruce forest. We also collected diaspores by brushing the fur of 99 ground-dwelling small mammals live-trapped in the same sites. Diaspores were then germinated on nutrient agar for six months. Viable diaspores of five bryophyte species and one fern species were successfully grown. No association was found between the cryptogam community sampled on site and the diaspore community grown on artificial substrate. Unlike abiotic agents that randomly disperse cryptogams, small mammals are more likely to transport diaspores to suitable substrates where microhabitat requirements for germination are met. Our results highlight the need to consider a broad spectrum of dispersal agents when focusing on the community dynamics of cryptogams.

The Selarong Cave area which is located in Bantul is a tourism site that has a humid environment condition due to the dense of big trees in these locations. There is also a waterfall. These conditions make it possible for bryophyte to grow surrounding the area. This research aims to identify the type of bryophyte grow in the Selarong Cave area, and know the characteristics. The method of this research is the exploration method which includes site investigation, identification, inventory, and descriptive analysis for both morphology and anatomy of the bryophyte. The finding of this research shows that there are 6 species of bryophyte which were found in the Selarong Cave area. They are Hyophila involuta (Hook.) Jaeg., Barbula consanguinea (Thw.&Mitt.) Jaeg., Bryum erytropus Fleisch., Weissia controversa Hedw., Preissia sp., and Vesicularia dubyana (C. Mull.) Broth.

Studies from seed plants have shown that animal dispersal fundamentally alters the success of plant dispersal, shaping community composition through time. Our understanding of this phenomenon in spore plants is comparatively limited. Though little is known about species-specific dispersal relationships between passerine birds and bryophytes, birds are particularly attractive as a potential bryophyte dispersal vector given their highly vagile nature as well as their association with bryophytes when foraging and building nests. We captured birds in Gifford Pinchot National Forest to sample their legs and tails for bryophyte propagules. We found 24 bryophyte species across 34 bird species. We examined the level of interaction specificity: (i) within the overall network to assess community level patterns; and (ii) at the plant species level to determine the effect of bird behaviour on network structure. We found that avian–bryophyte associations are constrained within the network, with species-specific and foraging guild effects on the variety of bryophytes found on bird species. Our findings suggest that diffuse bird–bryophyte dispersal networks are likely to be common in habitats where birds readily encounter bryophytes and that further work aimed at understanding individual bird–bryophyte species relationships may prove valuable in determining nuance within this newly described dispersal mechanism.

The caatinga is a deciduous and xerophilous vegetation that covers large areas in Brazil. An irregular rainfall with a marked dry period is a characteristic feature. This paper represents the first contribution to the knowledge of the bryoflora from caatinga vegetation in the State of Bahia. The survey was carried out in several areas from Bahia in which eigthteen species of bryophytes were found (15 mosses and 3 liverworts). The bryoflora from caatinga is composed mainly of generalists and xerophilous taxa, but even some hygrophilous species can be found. A number of species including Hyophiladelphus agrarius, Hyophila involuta, Calymperes palisotii ssp. richardii, Bryum argenteum, Entodontopsis leucostega, Octoblepharum albidum, Frullania ericoides also occur in other vegetation types. However, there are a number of species restricted to this type of vegetation, such as Helicophyllum torquatum and Riccia vitalii, at least in Bahia. Most moss species were acrocarpous with erect and short (short-turf) growth-form, whereas the foliose hepaticae were of incubous, and thallose forms.

A floristic assessment was conducted in Mt. Musuan Bukidnon, the Philippines – an isolated, low grass-covered andesitic lava dome and tuff cone. Two 50-m transect lines were established in each of the altitudinal gradients (350–400, 401–451, 452–502, 503–553, 554–604, and 605 + masl) in the mountain slope to sample the bryophyte communities. The study compared the bryophyte populations between six altitudinal gradients and analyzed their altitudinal distribution. Results revealed a total of 56 species of bryophytes belonging to 39 genera and 21 families. Of these, 39 are moss species with 29 genera and 16 families. Sixteen (16) species are liverworts with nine genera and four families. One hornwort was encountered. The greatest number of bryophytes were documented between 452–502 masl, whereas the fewest number occurred between 350–400 and 605 masl and near the summit. The two most abundant bryophyte species were Octoblepharum albidum Hedw. and Hyophila involuta (Hook.) A. Jaeger, which are widely distributed in all altitudinal gradients. The findings from this research will offer valuable insights that can promote the implementation of efficient management strategies and initiatives for conserving biodiversity across different altitudinal gradients. This is particularly vital because bryophytes are known to be highly susceptible to human- induced threats and the influences of changing environmental conditions.

This study was conducted to document the bryophyte species composition, and the effects of different environmental factors at the University of the Philippines-Diliman, a campus in an urban area. A total of 11 species of bryophytes were identified which includes nine species of mosses and two species of liverworts. Among the species observed, Hyophila involuta (Hook.) A. Jaeger and Taxithelium instratum (Brid.) Broth. were found to be widely distributed across sites. On the other hand, Meiothecium microcarpum, Cyathodium foetidissimum Schiffn. and Vesicularia montagnei (Bel.) were rarely found. Species composition is relatively small compared to the previous surveys conducted in high altitude and moist environments. It was suggested that aside from habitats, other factors such as current disturbance events and the presence of specific tree species may contribute more to the bryophyte species composition in the University of the Philippines-Diliman campus.

There is rising concern that increases in visitor numbers could negatively affect natural resources within protected natural areas. This has raised questions regarding the effectiveness of indirect management strategies in reducing depreciative behaviors among visitors across different natural resource settings. Leave No Trace (LNT), which focuses on indirect management tactics, is an educational program adopted by parks and forests for reducing visitor impacts. LNT promotes stewardship using seven guiding principles: (a) plan ahead and prepare, (b) travel and camp on durable surfaces, (c) dispose of waste properly, (d) leave what you find, (e) minimize campfire impacts, (f) respect wildlife, and (g) be considerate of other visitors. These principles were developed for wilderness settings but have been revised to apply to backcountry and frontcountry areas. This article examined the use of LNT practices in three different natural resource settings and attempts to contribute to this knowledge gap. Data for this article were obtained from on-site surveys in a national park (Rocky Mountain National Park), a national forest (Shawnee National Forest) and three state parks in Wyoming (Glendo, Curt Gowdy, Wyoming Territorial Prison Historic Site). Standardized questions were developed to examine the four topics: (a) appropriateness of LNT principles, (b) difficulty to perform LNT, (c) perceived control over LNT behaviors, and (d) behavioral intentions relative to LNT principles. Results revealed that across the three settings visitors’ responses within each topic aligned with LNT principles. However, compared to national forest and state park visitors, national park visitors were the least likely to view LNT principles as appropriate yet most likely to indicate that they behave in accordance with LNT guidance. There were no differences among visitors to the three settings regarding perceived difficulty of performing LNT practices. It is unclear if these findings are applicable to other parks and forests— researchers are encouraged to replicate this work in a range of outdoor settings. By understanding differences between visitors to different natural settings, managers and educators can improve the efficacy of LNT messaging to individual natural resource settings, increase the adoption of Leave No Trace practices, and decrease depreciation of natural resources. Subscribe to JPRA

Hyophila involuta (Hook) Jaeg., a sample collected from a natural population in the Biological Garden, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, was sorted into non-sporophytic and sporophytic gametophytes. This was with a view to investigating the possible influence of sporophyte emergence on the bioactive constituents and the antimicrobial potentials of the moss plant. Aqueous extracts of each of the non-sporophytic and the sporophytic gametophyte samples were prepared, and each was subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses, and antimicrobial potentials tests on selected bacteria and fungi following standard procedures. The results showed both extracts testing positive for alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, and steroids. Quantitatively, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides concentrations were higher in the non-sporophytic than in the sporophytic gametophytes. Nevertheless, the saponins content was higher in sporophytic gametophytes. GC-MS analyses revealed 40 and 46 bioactive compounds in the non-sporophytic and the sporophytic gametophyte samples respectively. The most prominent compound was 1, 13-tetradecadiene (13.62%) in the non-sporophytic gametophyte but cycloheptasiloxane tetradecamethyl- (13.78%) in the sporophytic game-tophyte. Furthermore, the sporophytic gametophyte extract inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida pseudotropicalis while the non-sporophytic gametophyte extract only inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa at a minimum inhibitory concentration of 40 mg/mL except for C. pseudotropicalis (20 mg/mL). This study, therefore, provided insight for investigating the medicinal values of bryophytes and concluded that the emergence of sporophytes on gametophytes of a bryophyte species can vary significantly the synthesis of its biologically active compounds and its antimicrobial activity.

The orientation of curriculum 2013 is based on science application. Some of the basic competence in biology are identification and classification to support learning activities. Bryophyte has a unique morphology and ecology, but the information about their diversity at junior and senior high school environment of Yogyakarta as the education city has not been available. This research was aimed to determine the diversity, classification, and distribution of bryophyte species at junior and senior high school environment of Yogyakarta and its potential use to support the implementation of curriculum 2013 in applicative biology learning. This research was conducted in Aug 2016. The samples collections were done in 15 junior high schools and 15 senior high schools in Yogyakarta. The samples were then preserved as dried herbarium and were identified in Laboratory of Plant Systematics, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Variation of bryophyte species diversity was analyzed by the Shannon-Wiener diversity index. The distribution analysis of bryophyte was obtained based on comparing diversity index on 15 junior and senior high schools and also determined with importance values. The results showed the total of 13 bryophytes, i.e. Cheilolejeunea intertexta (Lindenb.) Steph., Cyathodium spruceanum Porsk., Riccia haskarliana Steph., Trocholejeunea sandvicensis Schiffn., Barbula javanica Dozy & Molk., Bryum coronatum Schwaegr., Calymperes tenerum C. Mull., Ectropothecium buitenzorgii (Bel.) Jaeg., Fissidens atroviridis Besch., Gymnostomiella vernicosa (Hook.) Fleisch., Hyophila involuta (Hook.) Jaeg., Octoblepharum albidum Hedw., and Vesicularia dubyana (C. Mull.) Broth. They could be classified into two classes, as Hepaticopsida and Bryopsida, which can be found on soil, rock surfaces, concrete walls, and also trees. Barbula javanica from Class Bryopsida has been broadly distributed at those area based on importance values. This preliminary study should be used for introduction diversity of bryophyte and support the implementation of curriculum 2013, especially in applicative biology learning for junior and senior high school students in Yogyakarta.

Sex determination is a process that leads to the physical separation of male and female gamete-producing structures to different individuals of a species. Sexual reproduction is an ancient feature of eukaryote life, yet the sexes as we currently recognize them are relative late comers in the evolution of sex. Sex determination systems in plants have evolved many times from hermaphroditic ancestors (including monoecious plants with separate male and female flowers on the same individual),and sex chromosome systems have arisen several times in flowering plant evolution. Sex chromosome evolution is intimately connected with Y chromosome degeneration. Most current understanding of how the distinctive properties of Y chromosomes evolved comes from theoretical work on the evolution of genomic regions with low recombination. The identification of sex chromosomes in plants is problematic because most of them do not differ morphologically from autosomes or from one another. For example in some species, such as Actinidia deliciosa var. deliciosa, X and Y chromosomes are too small to support observations of their distinguishing characteristics.) In the majority of plants, male and female organs are formed and developed simultaneously, but only up to a point when the growth of either set of sex organs is inhibited. Inhibition of sexual development can vary in character so that in most cases, sexual development is inhibited by the absence of cell division. In many species of bryophytes, heterothallism (unisexuality) has been correlated with the presence of sex chromosomes. Although the extent of heterothallism and sex chromosomes in the bryophytes has not been assessed systematically, this is the only known group of homosporous plants that uses sex chromosomes in sex determination. To date, studies of bryophyte sex determination have focused on the heterothallic liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. Many dioecious species, including those with well-developed sex chromosomes, ........

Seasonal patterns in growth and dynamics of 13 epixylic bryophyte species (six liverworts and seven mosses) were studied within permanent plots in the Žofínský prales old-growth forest in south-eastern Bohemia, Czech Republic. Transparencies were used to record positions and cover of bryophyte colonies within each plot twice a year (in spring and autumn) for periods of 1–4 years. Percentage growth of species populations and growth dynamics of their colonies were analysed in order to identify seasonality in their growth. Establishment of bryophyte colonies and their expansion, as well as pair-wise overgrowth of adjacent colonies of different species were compared in order to identify competitive interactions between bryophyte species. Bryophytes grew faster during the winter season (October–April) than during summer, and the various species did not differ in their percentage growth. The growth dynamics of bryophyte colonies was highly seasonal and the species differed in their dynamics pattern. The expansion and retreat (local extinction) of bryophyte species were greatest in winter, and the stability of colonies was, therefore, higher in summer. Interspecific competition among the species studied appears to be low.

Our understanding of herbivorous insect's host selection is often based on observed associations with host plants, which can be biased by relative plant abundance, leading to inaccurate assumptions of preference. These biases may be particularly pronounced for insects associated with bryophytes, where dominance patterns are less evident. Estimating selection tendencies is also challenging for rare species with unique ecologies. Boreus hyemalis, a winter-active insect, associates with a range of bryophyte species, yet its specificity in moss-host selection remains unclear. This study investigates whether B. hyemalis shows non-random distribution among bryophyte species in natural habitats and laboratory settings. Field surveys revealed associations with 21 moss species, with significant selection tendencies toward Dicranella heteromalla and Hypnum cupressiforme, with moss species richness being a key factor for boreid inhabitance. Laboratory tests assessed selection among 14 moss species, including H. cupressiforme morphotypes, under controlled conditions. Results indicated Polytrichum formosum was the most frequently selected in the lab. Despite some discrepancies between field and lab findings, B. hyemalis shows specific selection tendencies for particular moss species. These results provide new insights into the ecological interactions between bryophytes and this winter-active insect, emphasizing the importance of moss structure and species richness in shaping B. hyemalis distribution.

Are habitat-tracking metacommunities dispersal limited? Inferences from abundance-occupancy patterns of epiphylls in Amazonian forest fragments

ABSTRACTHabitat fragmentation affects metapopulation dynamics by reducing patch (discrete area occupied by a local population) size and connectivity, but its long‐term genetic consequences are confounded by species‐specific traits and limitations of sequencing techniques. Studies of terrestrial plants with relatively short generation times, combined with high‐throughput sequencing, provide valuable insights into the demographic and genetic effects of land‐use change. We integrate long‐term censuses and genotyping data from epiphyllous bryophyte metapopulations in experimentally fragmented Amazonian forests. We focused on two bryophyte species with contrasting mating systems across 11 populations in small (1‐ and 10‐ha) and large (100‐ha and continuous) habitats. We aim to assess how long‐term reductions in colony numbers in small fragments affect population genetic diversity and differentiation compared to larger habitats. We also explore how species' mating systems influence migration patterns across forest sites, with bisexual species expected to exhibit a higher likelihood of sexual reproduction and spore output than their unisexual counterparts. Our results reveal contrasting patterns of genetic structure between the two species, with no consistent effects of forest fragmentation detected across the landscape. The bisexual species showed notably lower genetic diversity and slightly higher differentiation in small fragments, suggesting a non‐equilibrium metapopulation driven by limited migration. In contrast, the unisexual species exhibited minimal genetic impact from fragmentation, maintaining symmetrical migration among fragments regardless of size, indicative of patchy metapopulation dynamics. This study highlights how contrasting mating systems in epiphyllous bryophytes influence migration patterns and underscores the species‐specific responses to habitat fragmentation.

We combined distribution data of bryophyte species with protected areas in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, using models of potential distribution of species, in order to assess the effectiveness and representativeness of Conservation Units for bryophyte species. We performed potential distribution models for ten bryophyte species classified as bio-indicators for environmental quality and/or endemic to the Atlantic Forest, or endemic to Brazil (key species). Data from online herbarium collections, literature, and sampling were used to estimate the potential distribution of the species, based on the MAXENT method. We performed an intersection between the maps with > 50% of environmental suitability for the occurrence of the studied species and the maps of the Brazilian protected areas. Areas with the greatest potential presence of bryophyte species not superimposed on protected areas were considered areas of gaps in protection. The habitat suitability of the models for nine species was explained by the Mean Diurnal Temperature Range. The consensus map of high environmental suitability for all species showed significant gaps in knowledge about their distribution. However, three centers of potential distribution were recognizable: one in the Northeast, one Central and another one in the Southeast. The total potentially suitable area overlapped with 83 Conservation Units (only 27%), less than adequate for efficient conservation of the species. The Central Corridor was the region with the highest environmental suitability but also has only a few Conservation Units in the Atlantic Forest, and is therefore a priority for conducting inventories and creating reserves.