Quantitative community analysis and bryophyte ecology on Signy Island

Abstract

Longton & Holdgate and Longton, in earlier papers of this Discussion (pp. 237, 213), have outlined the general features of the vegetation of Signy Island, drawing comparisons with other Antarctic island groups and with the Peninsula. Signy Island is characterized by a relatively extensive cover of bryophyte and lichen communities, which exhibit considerable diversity in composition. This presents a situation well suited for the investigation of some of the principles of community construction and the causes of patterns of plant distribution, under the conditions of an Antarctic environment. This paper, the outcome of work carried out on Signy Island between 12 January and 7 March 1966, first describes an approach to the recognition of the main ecological categories within the vegetation, and secondly singles out for more detailed consideration the water relations of certain of the dominant species, as one of their attributes affecting distribution.