Bryophyte Communities Research Articles

Functional Traits and Ecological Strategies of Bryophytes in Response to Environmental Gradients of the Western Ghats of Sahyadri Mountain Range, Maharashtra (India)

The Western Ghats, recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot, houses a diverse array of flora and fauna, including bryophytes. These non-vascular plants play critical roles in ecosystem functioning, but their functional traits and ecological strategies in response to environmental gradients remain poorly understood in this region. This study aims to investigate the functional traits and ecological adaptations of bryophytes along temperature, humidity, and altitude gradients in the Sahyadri Mountain Range of Maharashtra, Western Ghats, India.In this research, field surveys are conducted across distinct forest types to sample bryophyte communities. Specific leaf area, shoot density, growth forms, and reproductive strategies ire quantified as key functional traits. Relationships between functional traits and environmental gradients ire analysed using regression models and multivariate techniques. Additionally, dominant ecological strategies among bryophytes ire identified based on trait composition.Our findings reveal a rich diversity of bryophytes in the Western Ghats, with 120 species identified across the sampled sites. Species composition varied significantly along the environmental gradients, with higher species richness observed in areas with higher humidity and lair altitude. Specific leaf area exhibited a negative correlation with temperature, indicating water conservation strategies in response to warmer conditions. Shoot density sloid positive associations with humidity, suggesting competitive adaptations under higher moisture availability.Furthermore, bryophytes in higher altitudes and cooler climates exhibited distinct growth forms, such as cushions and mats, likely to withstand harsh environmental conditions. Ecological strategies predominantly varied among forest types, with stress-tolerant strategies prevailing in the drier, low-altitude regions, and competitive strategies dominant in the cooler, high-altitude regions.These findings shed light on the adaptive capabilities of bryophytes in the Western Ghats and their ecological responses to changing environments. Understanding bryophyte functional traits and ecological strategies is vital for assessing their roles in ecosystem resilience and functioning. The insights from this study hold implications for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and climate change assessments in the Western Ghats and other mountainous regions worldwide

Tree genotypes affect rock lichens and understory plants: examples of trophic-independent interactions.

Genetic variation in foundation tree species can strongly influence communities of trophic‐dependent organisms, such as herbivorous insects, pollinators, and mycorrhizal fungi. However, the extent and manner in which this variation results in unexpected interactions that reach trophic‐independent organisms remains poorly understood, even though these interactions are essential to understanding complex ecosystems. In pinyon–juniper woodland at Sunset Crater (Arizona, USA), we studied pinyon (Pinus edulis) that were either resistant or susceptible to stem‐boring moths (Dioryctria albovittella). Moth herbivory alters the architecture of susceptible trees, thereby modifying the microhabitat beneath their crowns. We tested the hypothesis that this interaction between herbivore and tree genotype extends to affect trophic‐independent communities of saxicolous (i.e., growing on rocks) lichens and bryophytes and vascular plants beneath their crowns. Under 30 pairs of moth‐resistant and moth‐susceptible trees, we estimated percent cover of lichens, bryophytes, and vascular plants. We also quantified the cover of leaf litter and rocks as well as light availability. Four major findings emerged. (1) Compared to moth‐resistant trees, which exhibited monopodial architecture, the microhabitat under the shrub‐like susceptible trees was 60% darker and had 21% more litter resulting in 68% less rock exposure. (2) Susceptible trees had 56% and 87% less cover, 42% and 80% less richness, and 38% and 92% less diversity of saxicolous and plant communities, respectively, compared to resistant trees. (3) Both saxicolous and plant species accumulated at a slower rate beneath susceptible trees, suggesting an environment that might inhibit colonization and/or growth. (4) Both saxicolous and plant communities were negatively affected by the habitat provided by susceptible trees. The results suggest that herbivory of moth‐susceptible trees generated litter at high enough rates to reduce rock substrate availability, thereby suppressing the saxicolous communities. However, our results did not provide a causal pathway explaining the suppression of vascular plants. Nonetheless, the cascading effects of genetic variation in pinyon appear to extend beyond trophic‐dependent moths to include trophic‐independent saxicolous and vascular plant communities that are affected by specific tree–herbivore interactions that modify the local environment. We suggest that such genetically based interactions are common in nature and contribute to the evolution of complex communities.

Factors determining bryophyte species richness and community composition on insular siliceous erratic boulders in calcareous landscapes

AbstractAimPleistocene erratic boulders are rocks that were relocated by glaciers during the Ice Ages. When their geology differs from the geology of the landscape that surrounds them, erratic boulders form habitat islands for regionally rare, edaphically specialised, rock‐dwelling cryptogams (bryophytes, ferns and lichens). Such boulders constitute terrestrial model systems for exploring island biogeographic predictions and the effect of environmental variables on species diversity and community composition, which we studied in order to provide basic knowledge of the ecology, with relevance for the conservation, of these unusual island systems.LocationSiliceous erratic boulders in the calcareous Swiss Plateau and Jura Mountains.MethodsFor 160 erratic boulders we recorded all bryophyte species and a diverse set of environmental variables. For all species and for specialist species (acidophile rock‐dwellers) separately, we analysed species–area relationships and nestedness, and explored relationships between environmental variables, species diversity and community composition.ResultsWe found 138 bryophyte species, 19 of which were specialists of erratic boulders. A steeper species–area curve for boulder specialists than for total species richness underlined the island properties of boulders for specialist species. Large boulders were more likely to harbour numerous boulder specialists and communities on small boulders were nested within the communities present on large boulders. However, at the landscape level small boulders contributed more specialist species than a few large boulders of the same surface area. Erratic boulders near settlements were less likely to harbour boulder specialists. Boulders in open land harboured different and more specialist species than boulders in forests.ConclusionsLarge undisturbed erratic boulders in open land harbour rare bryophyte communities with a large number of specialist species. Conservation should thus prioritise this type of boulders. Furthermore, conserving large boulders is logistically easier, and they may function as flagships for small boulders that also contribute to the biodiversity within landscapes.

Projected shifts in deadwood bryophyte communities under national climate and forestry scenarios benefit large competitors and impair small species

AbstractAimClimate change and habitat loss are the main threats to forest biodiversity. Deadwood bryophyte communities are composed of species with different functional traits and are affected by these processes. Grouping species depending on their traits can help to anticipate community responses to global change, and to potential conservation actions.LocationNational scale of Sweden.TaxonDeadwood bryophyte species (15 liverworts and 8 mosses).MethodsGeneralized linear mixed‐effects models were applied to test for differences in projected relative changes in habitat suitability (matching species’ requirements) among species with contrasting traits under varying climate and forest scenarios during the years 2020–2100. Projections were based on ensembles of species distribution models (GLM, Poisson point‐process, MaxEnt), climate scenarios and national scenarios of forest management and conservation.ResultsShoot length was the best predictor of projected future changes in habitat suitability. Habitat suitabilities for small, short‐lived species will decline in a warmer and wetter macroclimate, whereas those for large, perennial species will increase. We expect stronger habitat suitability decreases for obligate than for facultative deadwood species. Increasing the proportion of set‐aside forests from 16% to 32%, and reducing the harvest levels in production forests, mitigated negative habitat trends of several sensitive species. However, the potential benefits of increased conservation were even larger for species with traits favoured by climate change, suggesting that these actions will also enhance the spread of these species.Main conclusionsClimate change is expected to lead to shifts in boreal bryophyte communities towards large, competitive species and to an overall decrease in diversity. High investment in conservation actions seems necessary to maintain diversity. This should include increasing the area of forest set aside beyond 16%, and reducing harvest levels in production forests. However, whilst these actions may prevent species extinctions, at least in the short term, changes in community structure seem inevitable.

Vegetation Assembly, Adaptive Strategies and Positive Interactions During Primary Succession in the Forefield of the Last Venezuelan Glacier

Glaciers are receding at unprecedented rates in the alpine tropics, opening-up new areas for ecosystem assembly. However, little is known about the patterns/mechanisms of primary succession during the last stages of glacier retreat in tropical mountains. Our aim was to analyze soil development and vegetation assembly during primary succession, and the role of changing adaptive strategies and facilitative interactions on these processes at the forefront of the last Venezuelan glacier (Humboldt Peak, 4,940 m asl). We established a chronosequence of four sites where the glacier retreated between 1910 and 2009. We compared soil organic matter (SOM), nutrients and temperatures inside vs. outside biological soil crusts (BSCs) at each site, estimated the cover of lichen, bryophyte and vascular plant species present, and analyzed changes in their growth-form abundance and species/functional turnover. We also evaluated local spatial associations between lichens/bryophytes and the dominant ruderal vascular plant (the grassPoa petrosa). We found a progressive increase in SOM during the first century of succession, while BSCs only had a positive buffering effect on superficial soil temperatures. Early seral stages were dominated by lichens and bryophytes, while vascular plant cover remained low during the first six decades, and was almost exclusively represented by wind dispersed/pollinated grasses. There was a general increase in species richness along the chronosequence, but it declined in late succession for lichens. Lichen and bryophyte communities exhibited a higher species turnover than vascular plants, resulting in the loss of some pioneer specialists as succession progressed. Lichen and bryophyte species were positively associated with safe-sites for the colonization of the dominant ruderal grass, suggesting a possible facilitation effect. Our results indicate that lichens and bryophytes play a key role as pioneers in these high tropical alpine environments. The limited initial colonization of vascular plants and the progressive accumulation of species and growth-forms (i.e., direct succession) could be linked to a combination of severe environmental filtering during early seral stages and limitations for zoochoric seed dispersal and entomophilic/ornithophilic pollination. This could potentially result in a slow successional response of these ecosystems to accelerated glacier loss and climate change.

Fairy ring disease affects epiphytic algal assemblages associated with the moss Sanionia uncinata (Hedw.) Loeske (Bryophyta) on King George Island, Antarctica.

Since the nineteenth century, a ring-forming disease attacking Antarctic mosses has been reported. However, to date, only the effects on the mosses themselves are known. In this study, we used DNA metabarcoding to investigate the effects on the moss epiphytic algal community at different stages of disease progression. As the disease progressed, algal species richness decreased, although overall abundance was not significantly affected. Prasiolales appeared unaffected, whereas Ulotrichales were more sensitive. Trebouxiales dominated the advanced disease stage, suggesting a possible benefit from the disease, either through the elimination of competition or creation of new niches. Infection is responsible for moss death, leading to habitat loss for other organisms, but pathogenic effects on algae cannot be ruled out. Our data indicate that the disease not only impacts mosses but also other groups, potentially resulting in loss of Antarctic biodiversity. This study provides the first report of the disease effects on epiphytic algal communities of Antarctic bryophytes.

Beta diversity analyses reveal distinct bryophyte community assemblages on different substrates in Neotropical seasonally dry forest fragments of the Colombian Caribbean

ABSTRACT Introduction Bryophytes in Colombia mainly inhabit humid forest, but some species have been found in fragments of dry forest in Montes de María in the Colombian Caribbean. However, it is unknown whether bryophytes have shaped communities associated with different substrates. Methods Bryophyte diversity was surveyed in nine plots at three localities: Chalan, Colosó and Toluviejo. To determine whether different communities were associated with particular substrates, we used the alpha diversity (Hill numbers), beta diversity and Bray–Curtis dissimilarity indices. Bray–Curtis dissimilarity was also used to determine whether these communities were the result of turnover or nestedness. Key results A total of 30 species of moss and 11 species of liverwort were identified. The most species-rich families were Neckeraceae and Pottiaceae for mosses and Lejeuneaceae and Frullaniaceae for liverworts. These plants inhabit bark, rock, soil and decaying wood substrates. Bark and rock were the most species-diverse substrates at all localities; soil and decaying wood were less diverse. Two main assemblages were detected, both shaped mainly by turnover: (i) bryophytes on bark/decaying wood and (ii) those on rock/soil. However, bryophytes on rock and soil formed two different communities in Chalan and Colosó, and bryophytes on bark/decaying wood were the most diverse community in Montes de María. Conclusions Beta diversity analyses revealed communities associated with different substrates and apparently shaped by environmental filters and dispersal limitations. The analyses thus provide important ecological information on bryophyte ecology. However, more detailed information is required to understand how these communities have arisen.

Bryophyte diversity and community composition in the gap and non-gap areas of Chakrata forest range, Uttarakhand, India

Bryophyte diversity and community composition in the gap and non-gap areas of Chakrata forest range, Uttarakhand, India

Can bryophyte groups increase functional resolution in tundra ecosystems?

The relative contribution of bryophytes to plant diversity, primary productivity, and ecosystem functioning increases towards colder climates. Bryophytes respond to environmental changes at the species level, but because bryophyte species are relatively difficult to identify, they are often lumped into one functional group. Consequently, bryophyte function remains poorly resolved. Here, we explore how higher resolution of bryophyte functional diversity can be encouraged and implemented in tundra ecological studies. We briefly review previous bryophyte functional classifications and the roles of bryophytes in tundra ecosystems and their susceptibility to environmental change. Based on shoot morphology and colony organization, we then propose twelve easily distinguishable bryophyte functional groups. To illustrate how bryophyte functional groups can help elucidate variation in bryophyte effects and responses, we compiled existing data on water holding capacity, a key bryophyte trait. Although plant functional groups can mask potentially high interspecific and intraspecific variability, we found better separation of bryophyte functional group means compared with previous grouping systems regarding water holding capacity. This suggests that our bryophyte functional groups truly represent variation in the functional roles of bryophytes in tundra ecosystems. Lastly, we provide recommendations to improve the monitoring of bryophyte community changes in tundra study sites.

Epiphytic Bryophyte Communities of Forests Dominated by Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertner in Altindere Valley National Park (Trabzon, Turkey)

The epiphytic bryophyte communities of the Altindere Valley (Maçka, Trabzon, Turkey) were studied. A total of 59 relevés, taken from living tree trunks in different vegetation periods of 2018 and 2020, were analysed according to the Braun-Blanquet methodology, and the relevés were also ordinated and classified using the Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DECORANA) and the Two-Way Indicator Species Analysis (TWINSPAN). As a result of the analyses, Alleniella besseri-Leucodontetum immersi as. nov., Plagiomnio undulati-Raduletum lindbergianae typicum and P.-R. leucodontetosum sciuroidis subas. nov. (Neckerion complanatae) were described and characterised as a new epiphytic. Mnietum cuspidati, Homalothecio sericei-Neckeretum besseri and Brachythecietum populei-isothecietosum alopecuroidis were also described as new to Turkey, whereas Brachythecietum populei typicum was recorded for the second time in Turkey.

Effect of tree species identity and related habitat parameters on understorey bryophytes \u2013 interrelationships between bryophyte, soil and tree factors in a 50-year-old experimental forest

AimOverstorey tree species influence both soil properties and microclimate conditions in the forest floor, which in turn can induce changes in ground bryophyte communities. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of tree species identity and the most important habitat factors influencing understorey bryophytes.MethodsWe assessed the effect of 14 tree species and related habitat parameters, including soil parameters, vascular plant presence and light intensity on bryophytes in monospecific plots covered by nearly fifty-year-old trees in the Siemianice Experimental Forest (Poland).ResultsThe canopy tree species determined bryophyte species richness and cover. The strongest differences were observed between plots with deciduous and coniferous trees. Soils with a more acidic pH and lower content of macronutrients supported larger bryophyte coverage. We also found a positive correlations between vascular plants and availability of light as well as bryophyte species richness.ConclusionTree species identity and differences in habitat conditions in the forest floor lead to changes of ground bryophyte richness, cover and species composition. Consequently, the changes in the dominant tree species in the stand may result in significant repercussions on ground bryophyte communities. We indicated that the introduction of alien tree species, i.e. Quercus rubra, has an adverse effect on bryophyte communities and suggested that the selection of tree species that contribute to the community consistent with the potential natural vegetation is highly beneficial for maintaining ground bryophyte biodiversity.

Habitat disturbance alters species richness, composition, and turnover of the bryophyte community in a temperate rainforest

Habitat disturbance and particularly land-use change from natural habitats to forest plantations, croplands, and urban expansion have caused a rapid biodiversity loss in southern South America's temperate rainforests. In those forests, bryophytes constitute a crucial component, with important ecosystem roles. We evaluated bryophyte diversity and species turnover between native temperate forests and sites with different degrees of disturbance to gain insight into how habitat disturbance affects the bryophyte community. We used four different habitat disturbance scenarios at a temperate rainforest, comprising primary native forests, secondary forests, clear-cut areas, and abandoned Eucalyptus forest plantations. We sampled bryophytes for three years (2016 to 2018) on four substrates (rock, soil, live wood, and deadwood). We found that species richness decreases, and turnover increases as disturbance increases. Liverworts were more sensitive to habitat disturbance than mosses, reaching their highest diversity in primary forests. Substrate availability was also a key factor for the bryophyte community, as species were non-randomly distributed among them. In conclusion, habitat disturbance affects the temperate forest bryophyte community, altering its composition along with disturbance conditions. Considering the crucial roles that bryophytes play within the ecosystem, these changes can also affect bird and mammal species that use them as nesting material.

Plant-plant interactions change during succession on nurse logs in a northern temperate rainforest.

Plant–plant interactions change through succession from facilitative to competitive. At early stages of succession, early‐colonizing plants can increase the survival and reproductive output of other plants by ameliorating disturbance and stressful conditions. At later stages of succession, plant interactions are more competitive as plants put more energy toward growth and reproduction. In northern temperate rainforests, gap dynamics result in tree falls that facilitate tree regeneration (nurse logs) and bryophyte succession. How bryophyte‐tree seedling interactions vary through log succession remains unclear. We examined the relationships of tree seedlings, bryophyte community composition, bryophyte depth, and percent canopy cover in 166 1.0 m2 plots on nurse logs and the forest floor in the Hoh rainforest in Washington, USA, to test the hypothesis that bryophyte‐tree seedling interactions change from facilitative to competitive as the log decays. Tree seedling density was highest on young logs with early‐colonizing bryophyte species (e.g., Rhizomnium glabrescens) and lowest on decayed logs with Hylocomium splendens, a long‐lived moss that reaches depths >20 cm. As a result, bryophyte depth increased with nurse log decay and was negatively associated with tree seedling density. Tree seedling density was 4.6× higher on nurse logs than on the forest floor, which was likely due to competitive exclusion by forest floor plants, such as H. splendens. Nurse logs had 17 species of bryophytes while the forest floor had six, indicating that nurse logs contribute to maintaining bryophyte diversity. Nurse logs enable both tree seedlings and smaller bryophyte species to avoid competition with forest floor plants, including the dominant bryophyte, H. splendens. H. splendens is likely a widespread driver of plant community structure given its dominance in northern temperate forests. Our findings indicate that plant–plant interactions shift with succession on nurse logs from facilitative to competitive and, thus, influence forest community structure and dynamics.

Bryophyte Conservation in Managed Boreal Landscapes: Fourteen-Year Impacts of Partial Cuts on Epixylic Bryophytes

Clear cut harvest simplifies and eliminates old growth forest structure, negatively impacting biodiversity. Partial cut harvest has been hypothesized (1) to have less impact on biodiversity than clear cut harvest, and (2) to encourage old growth forest structures. Long-term studies are required to test this hypothesis as most studies are conducted soon after harvest. Using epixylic bryophytes as indicators, this study addresses this knowledge gap. Fourteen years after harvest, we examined changes in epixylic bryophyte community composition richness and traits, and their microhabitats (coarse woody debris characteristics and microclimate) along an unharvested, partial cuts and clear cuts harvest treatment in 30 permanent plots established in the boreal black spruce (Picea mariana) forests of northwestern Quebec, Canada. Our results were compared to those of an initial post-harvest study (year 5) and to a chronosequence of old growth forests to examine species changes over time and the similarity of bryophyte communities in partial cut and old growth forests. Coarse woody debris (CWD) volume by decay class varied among harvest treatments with partial cuts and clear cuts recording lower volumes of early decay CWD. The epixylic community was richer in partial cuts than in mature unharvested forests and clear cuts. In addition, species richness and overall abundance doubled in partial and clear cuts between years 5 and 14. Species composition also differed among treatments between years 5 and 14. Furthermore, conditions in partial cut stands supported small, drought sensitive, and old growth confined species that are threatened by conditions in clear cut stands. Lastly, over time, species composition in partial cuts became more similar to old growth forests. Partial cuts reduced harvest impacts by continuing to provide favorable microhabitat conditions that support epixylic bryophytes. Also, partial cut harvest has the potential to encourage old growth species assemblages, which has been a major concern for biodiversity conservation in managed forest landscapes. Our findings support the promotion of partial cut harvest as an effective strategy to achieve species and habitat conservation goals.

Are Juglans neotropica Plantations Useful as a Refuge of Bryophytes Diversity in Tropical Areas?

Neotropical montane forests are considered biodiversity hotspots, where epiphytic bryophytes are an important component of the diversity, biomass and functioning of these ecosystems. We evaluated the richness and composition of bryophytes in secondary successional forests and mixed plantations of Juglans neotropica. In each forest type, the presence and cover of epiphytic bryophytes was registered in 400 quadrats of 20 cm × 30 cm. We analyzed the effects of canopy openness, diameter at breast height (DBH) and forest type on bryophyte richness, using a generalized linear model (GLM), as well as the changes in species composition using multivariate analysis. Fifty-five bryophyte species were recorded, of which 42 species were in secondary forests and 40 were in mixed plantations. Bryophyte richness did not change at forest level; however, at tree level, richness was higher in the mixed plantation of J. neotropica compared to the secondary forests, due to the presence of species adapted to high light conditions. On the other hand, bryophyte communities were negatively affected by the more open canopy in the mixed plantation of J. neotropica, species adapted to more humid conditions being less abundant. We conclude that species with narrow microclimatic niches are threatened by deforestation, and J. neotropica plantations do not act as refuge for drought-sensitive forest species present in secondary forests.

What can bryophyte diversity on Cangas (ironstone outcrops) teach us?

AbstractQuestionsBryophytes are a common plant component of the mining‐threatened ironstone outcrops called Cangas, although quite neglected. Aiming to improve conservation strategies for this Brazilian landscape, here we ask: (a) are there differences in species composition, richness and abundance and the role of reproduction (i.e., sexual and asexual expression, and reproductive success) among bryophyte communities of Cangas; and (b) do abiotic and geographic factors influence species composition on these outcrops?LocationEight Canga sites in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero (QF) of the state of Minas Gerais, southeast Brazil.MethodsWe sampled eight Canga sites for bryophyte species composition, richness, abundance, and reproduction (i.e., sexual and asexual expression, reproductive success) using 18 4‐m2 plots per site. Similarities in species composition among sites were assessed by cluster analysis; differences in richness, abundance, and reproduction parameters were tested by ANOVA; and the correlations between species composition and climatic variables, altitude, and geographical distance were tested by the Mantel test.ResultsThe Canga sites had unique species compositions of bryophytes, with only liverwort richness and abundance differing significantly among sites. Nonetheless, there were floristic similarities among certain geographically close sites, and bryophyte composition was not completely explained by either environmental variables or geographical distance. Additionally, sexual, and asexual reproduction did not differ among Cangas.ConclusionsCangas of the Brazilian QF have unique bryophyte communities (i.e., high beta diversity), especially for liverworts. Liverwort composition was found to be strongly affected by threats to Cangas, especially in areas disturbed by intensive fire. We hypothesize that the local landscape and microclimate have a greater influence on bryophyte diversity than regional aspects. Therefore, future conservation efforts on Cangas must emphasize local diversity and the functionality of liverworts and mosses in different habitats, combined with enhanced protection of Conservation Units.

Deadwood volumes matter in epixylic bryophyte conservation, but precipitation limits the establishment of substrate-specific communities

Deadwood is a habitat for numerous biota and serves as an indicator of forest biodiversity. Bryophytes significantly contribute to deadwood communities and epixylic bryophytes are particularly threatened. Additional to deadwood volumes, their occurrence depends on climatic conditions. However, the interactive effects of deadwood and climate on epixylic bryophytes have hardly been assessed. Here, we analyse these effects based on 8 143 bryophyte specimens collected on 510 logs in 51 Austrian forests. We found that annual precipitation sum and deadwood volume explained 67%, 90%, and 82% of the variation in moss, liverwort and total species richness, respectively. Segmented regression indicated several breakpoints in these relationships, especially at c. 60 m3/ha of deadwood and 900 mm, respectively 1700 mm of annual precipitation. Epixylic bryophyte diversity increased strongly up to the deadwood threshold, but only moderately with still higher volumes. Nine hundred mm of annual precipitation was a macroclimatic limit for deadwood-specific bryophyte species. Below this value, obligate epixylic bryophytes were lost and liverworts were rare, even at sites with high deadwood amounts. At the wettest sites, the overall number of species decreased while deadwood-specific specialists further increased in number. The close tie of epixylic bryophytes to macroclimate may constrain the efficiency of deadwood management measures and suggests considerable impacts of climate change. A drier and warmer climate will probably decrease species richness and change the composition of epixylic bryophyte communities, with the most characteristic species, especially liverworts, facing the highest risk.

Ambient and experimental warming effects on an alpine bryophyte community

Alpine and Arctic bryophytes have been found to respond negatively to climate change, but as they are often analysed as one functional group, there is limited knowledge on species-specific responses. In this study, we examine how nearly two decades of experimental warming by open-top chambers and ambient warming have affected the bryophyte community structure in an alpine Dryas octopetala L. heath in Finse, southwest Norway. In contrast to what we expected, we found that bryophyte abundance, species richness, and evenness increased over time in the control plots, indicating a positive response to ambient warming. However, the increase in bryophyte abundance and cover was suppressed in experimentally warmed plots compared with control plots. Bryophyte community composition changed in a similar direction in response to both ambient and experimental warming. Acrocarpous mosses were not affected stronger by warming than pleurocarpous mosses, but individual species and taxa showed contrasting responses. Our study highlights the importance of studying bryophyte responses to environmental change, as well as combining long-term observations with experimental warming.

Distribution of testate amoebae in bryophyte communities in São Miguel Island (Azores Archipelago).

BackgroundTestate amoebae are a polyphyletic group of protists living preferentially in soils, freshwaters and wetlands. These Protozoa have a worldwide distribution, but their presence and diversity in the Azores (a remote oceanic archipelago) is poorly known, with only twelve taxa recorded so far. The published information reflects occasional collections from sporadic field visits from naturalists to São Miguel Island, mainly in the nineteenth century. To overcome this limitation, a standardised survey was carried out on the Island, sampling different types of habitats from several localities to provide the distribution and information on species ecology of testate amoebae.New informationIn this study, 43 species of testate amoebae were recorded (within a total of 499 occurrences), belonging to two orders of Protista (26 Arcellinida and 17 Euglyphida). The most frequently occurring testate amoebae were Euglypha strigosa, Trinema lineare, Euglypha rotunda, Assulina muscorum and Cyclopyxis eurystoma. The most diverse genus was Euglypha (six species). A total of 38 species are new records for the Azores Archipelago. These data help to improve knowledge of the geographical distribution of testate amoebae in the northern hemisphere and their diversity in the Azores Archipelago.

Composition and structure of the bryophyte community of Park Savanna in Marajó Island, Pará, Brazil

Aiming to enrich the knowledge about the flora of savannas, this paper studied the composition and structure of the bryophyte community of Park Savanna areas in Marajó Island - PA. Biological material was collected within 60 100-m2 plots equally distributed in the dry season of 2016 and the rainy season of 2017 in five Park Savanna areas (SP-I to SP-V). The composition, density, richness and diversity of species and presence of indicator species were compared between the sampled areas and seasons. The species were classified according to the substrates colonized and ecological groups of light tolerance. Significant differences in SP-V indicated that the area was the main factor influencing the composition of bryophytes (p: 0.0001), with five indicator species. There were also significant differences in density (p = 0.0001168) and richness (p = 0.0001317) of bryophytes between seasons (p-value = 0.3393; p-value = 0.04065; p: 0.1081). There was a predominance of generalist (25 spp.) and corticolous (728 individuals) species, which were widely distributed in the sampled areas. Therefore, the structure of the bryophyte communities was not influenced by seasonality, and this indicates that these plants are adapted to the environmental conditions.