Abstract
(I) We studied the population dynamics and colony development of the moss Polytrichurn piliferum at three sites in N.E Scotland, using both historical reconstruction of colony growth and direct recording of shoot demography. (2) There were Iwo main types of colony, a dense-centred circular colony by the sides of vehicle tracks at low altitudes and an advancing ‘wave’ type in exposed conditions at high altitudes. The form of colony development was determined mainly by the number and location of new shoots and less by their subsequent patterns of survival. (3) Maximum shoot production occurred in warm, wet conditions. These were usually in the summer in trackside and montane colonies, but in the autumn in colonies in sand dunes, where water availability was the most important factor, Shoot loss was highest in spring in the trackside colonies and in summer in the sand dune colonies. (4) We discuss the factors affecting the production and death of shoots and the pattern of colony development in relation to the environment.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
