Distribution Of Bryophytes Research Articles

Exploring the driving factors of bryophyte assemblage distribution patterns in Tibet

Plant communities are complex systems shaped by a combination of deterministic and stochastic ecological processes. Bryophytes are an essential component of plant diversity in natural ecosystems, yet our understanding of their community ecology needs to catch up to that of other organisms. The unique geological history, alpine climatic conditions, and high habitat heterogeneity of Tibet provide suitable areas for bryophytes to survive in the alpine regions. Therefore, field surveys were conducted across 184 plots in forest, thicket, and herbaceous vegetation of Tibet to investigate the role of deterministic processes such as biological interactions and abiotic effects, along with stochastic processes, in shaping the distribution of bryophyte assemblages. We employed various analytical methods, including mixed effects models, partial least squares path modeling, null model analysis, and neutral community models. The study showed that bryophyte richness was highest in forests. Bryophyte assemblages showed greater segregation in forest and thicket environments compared to herbaceous vegetation. As the influence of stochastic processes increased, that of deterministic processes decreased from forests through thickets to herbaceous vegetation. Deterministic processes were the main driving forces for the bryophyte assemblage pattern. Soil properties and climatic factors, particularly pH played a key role in determining bryophyte patterns in Tibet. This study has deepened our comprehension of how deterministic and stochastic ecological processes interplay and shape bryophyte distribution patterns in Tibet.

Habitat preferences and distribution of some common bryophytes in a tropical forest at the Luquillo Experimental Forest, Puerto Rico

Habitat preferences and distribution of some common bryophytes in a tropical forest at the Luquillo Experimental Forest, Puerto Rico

Bryoflora of the Romaniv landscape region and adjacent territories (Lviv region)

Research was conducted on bryophytes of the Romaniv landscape reserve and adjacent territories, which belong to the North-Podilskyi-Dniester key territory of the regional eco-network of the Lviv region. 73 species of bryophytes from the divisions Marchantiophyta (7 species from the class Jungermanniopsida, 4 species – Marchantiopsida) and Bryophyta (2 species from the class Polytrichopsida, 60 species – Bryopsida) were found in the study area. Among the families, Pottiaceae (9 species, 6.6%), Brachytheciaceae (7 species, 5.1%), Mniaceae (6 species, 4.4%), Plagiotheciaceae (6 species, 4.4%), Bryaceae (5 species, 3.7%), Orthotrichaceae (4 species, 2.9%), the rest of the families are oligo- and monospecies. Among the genera are Ptychostomum (4 species, 2.9%), Plagiothecium (4 species, 2.9%), genera Plagiomnium, Didymodon, Tortula and Orthotrichum – 3 species each (2.2%). According to the substrate affiliation, there is the largest number of epigean bryophytes. Epiphytes predominate on the bark of deciduous trees, or in the root zone of beech trees. However, epixillae develop well at various stages of decay in various types of dead wood. Rocky areas in the middle of the forest, which are located outside the reserve have the biggest species diversity of bryophytes Mosses inhabit anthropogenically disturbed biotopes, in particular, sand mining quarries and agricultural land. Based on the geographical analysis, the bryoflora of this territory can be characterized as nemoral-boreal with some arid and cosmopolitan elements. Features of the geographical distribution of bryophytes are large areas, accordingly, the share of endemics among them is insignificant. Regionally rare for the mixed forest zone are Alleniella besseri, Aloina rigida, Marchantia quadrata, Taxiphyllum wissgrillii. For nemoral – Pellia endiviifolia, Porella platyphylla, Lophocolea bidentata, Encalypta streptocarpa. Data on the species composition of bryophytes and their substrate affiliation make it possible to more widely assess the types of biodiversity. The given sozological analysis of the bryoflora points to the need for further detailed research of the bryoflora. An annotated list of bryophytes was drawn up on the basis of bryofloristic studies of the Romaniv landscape reserve and adjacent territories.

Modelling the future distribution of rare bryophytes in Scotland: the importance of the inclusion of habitat loss

ABSTRACT Background Species distribution models (SDMs) have been widely used to predict species ranges and their future distribution under climate change scenarios, mostly using only climatic variables. An important factor that is usually neglected, is the habitat of the species that are being modelled. Even when included, it is often considered a fixed factor, but in reality, it is also subjected to changes. Aims In this study, we assessed if this omission can lead to different projected distributions of the species. Methods For this purpose, we applied an ensemble of SDMs, and we projected the distribution of rare bryophyte species in Scotland in the 2050s. Bryophytes are generally very climate-reliant and lend themselves to bioclimatic studies, and we selected species different grades of affinity with blanket bogs, which are threatened by climate change. Blanket bog extension was included in the model as an explanatory variable, and the models were run for three 2050s scenarios: once with the current blanket bog distribution and twice using the blanket bog distribution derived from two bioclimatic models (Lindsay modified and Blanket Bog Tree model), under the same climate change projections. Results The results showed some differences in the predicted future distribution of those species with a strong relationship with blanket bogs, when habitat changes were accounted for. For example, Sphagnum majus, the species with the highest affinity with blanket bog in our study, was not predicted to change its future distribution when blanket bog is held constant at the current level, but was predicted to lose up to 60% of its current suitable area when the projected loss of blanket bog is included. Conclusion Our results suggest that adding future habitat changes could improve the reliability of SDMs in the first steps of planning for conservation and restoration.

ASSESSMENT OF RARE EPIPHYTIC LIVERWORT TRANSPLANTATION METHOD IN POPULUS TREMULA FOREST

Epiphytic bryophytes are important biodiversity elements in forest ecosystems globally. In addition, bryophytes take part in ecosystem functioning and are excellent environmental indicators. Almost half of the red-listed bryophyte distribution in Latvia is related to forest habitats. However, despite the increasing knowledge about epiphyte ecology, we are lacking information about individual rare species environmental demands. The present study aimed to evaluate the transplant disc method in rare liverwort transplantation success in aspen forest. As a result, we found that the transplant disc method can be used in epiphytic liverwort studies, but improvements are recommended in sealant selection for transplantation. Liverwort transplants were sensitive to changed substrate quality. Although transplant physiological stress during the transplantation experiment could be important. Epiphyte transplantation studies could help to test epiphyte sensitivity to global climate change in the future.

Environmental drivers of ground-floor bryophytes diversity in temperate forests.

Bryophytes play important role in forest ecosystem functioning and their distribution and diversity are driven by numerous environmental factors. The aim of the present study was to bring new insights in deeper understanding of terrestrial bryophytes diversity in temperate forests, as well as to determine the environmental factors which have predominant influence on ground-floor bryophytes. The survey was conducted in Fruška Gora Mountain (Serbia) across seven forest sites where ground-bryophytes were sampled. Soil moisture, temperature, and pH were measured as soil characteristics, while herbaceous cover, litter cover, stream distance, number of trees and shrubs were used as characteristics of stand structure. Species richness, Shannon diversity index, and evenness index were used as diversity measures. Generalised linear model and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) were used to test the influence of environmental variables on bryophyte diversity. Litter cover was the most important explanatory variable, followed by soil moisture, stream distance and tree number, respectively. Overall, the stand structure was found to have a greater impact on ground-floor bryophyte diversity compared to soil characteristics. Identification of the most significant ecological factors affecting the diversity and distribution of bryophytes in forest ecosystems is of great importance in forest ecology with the aim of defining adequate management methods to preserve the biodiversity of forests, with particular emphasis on endangered and rare bryophyte species.

Bryophytes from the Sítio do Rangedor State Park, Maranhão, Brazil

The Sítio Rangedor State Park is an important conservation unit in an urban area with remnants of Amazon Forest in different stages of succession. The Park presents a characteristic bryophyte flora and can be useful to evaluate the local environmental quality. The objective of this study was to survey the diversity, distribution and ecological aspects of bryophytes in this Conservation Unit. The specimens were collected on different substrates throughout the area during the rainy and the dry season. Sixteen species of bryophytes were recorded, 15 moss species and one liverwort species. Most taxa are widely distributed and well represented in all phytogeographic domains; only Garckea flexuosa (Griff.) Margad. & Nork. presented a rare distribution. Microcalpe subsimplex (Hedw.) W.R. Buck and Weisiopsis bahiensis (Müll. Hal.) Broth. are endemic to Brazil, and the latter is a new record for Maranhão. There was a predominance of life forms with high (tuft) and intermediate (mat and weft) tolerance to desiccation, as well as generalist species as to tolerance to light incidence. Information on global and national geographic distribution, functional groups and endemism is provided. The most abundant species was Hiophyla involuta. (Hook.) A. Jaeger. Acrocarpous growth predominated among mosses. Calymperes palisotii Schwägr. presented investment in resistant propagules, reflecting the highly seasonal climate of the region. The data provide a basis for future investigations and reinforce the need for greater efforts aimed at environmental education activities in the area. Further, the registration of rare and endemic reinforces the importance of the conservation of this area.

Preliminary data on the frequency and distribution of Hungarian bryophytes, based on ‘recent’ (1974–2022) records

Introduction The bryophyte flora of Hungary was relatively well studied during the twentieth century, but data on the present-day frequency and geographical distribution of Hungarian bryophytes are lacking. We present here our preliminary results based on recent fieldwork and herbarium studies. Methods We recorded bryophyte occurrences in grid cells (quadrants) of approximately 5.5 × 6 km. Frequency was determined based on the number of quadrants, and geographical distribution evaluated in terms of the 19 administrative units (counties) of the country. To investigate correlations between species richness and relevant environmental drivers, statistical analyses were carried out. Key results A total of 698 bryophyte taxa (2 hornworts, 151 liverworts and 545 mosses) have been found in the territory of Hungary. For each of the 637 taxa that have been observed since 1973, one of five frequency classes (very common, common, sporadic to frequent, rare, and very rare) has been assigned based on the relevant number of field records or herbarium specimens. Additionally, tabular distributional information (occurrence in each of the 19 counties) is presented for each taxon. In the statistical evaluation of the geographical distribution data, the elevational range and the size of the surveyed area were positively correlated with bryophyte richness, whereas arable land cover was negatively correlated. Conclusions Although the survey was not uniform or complete across the different counties, the results support some robust bryogeographical theories. We hope to have the opportunity in the near future to compile a new Hungarian bryophyte Red List, partly based on these national frequency data.

Temperature and Precipitation More Than Tree Cover Affect the Distribution Patterns of Epiphytic Mosses within the Orthotrichaceae Family in China and Adjacent Areas.

Epiphytes, including vascular and non-vascular, constitute a large part of global plant biodiversity. Distribution of obligatory epiphytic bryophytes results from climate and local habitat conditions. The most important epiphytic bryophytes and at the same time poorly investigated and taxonomically problematic ones belong to the family Orthotrichaceae. Epiphytic mosses are also ideal organisms for species modelling, because of having no roots, they are highly dependent on external environmental conditions. For this purpose, we used the ecological niche modelling approach to define their potential distribution in China and adjacent areas and explore factors that shape this distribution. We used 617 occurrence records of 23 species from six genera within the Orthotrichaceae family. Our results suggest that the distribution of members of the Orthotrichaceae family is predominantly affected by bioclimatic variables, especially bio10 (mean temperature of the warmest quarter), bio15 (precipitation seasonality), bio18 (precipitation of the warmest quarter), bio19 (precipitation of the coldest quarter), bio9 (mean temperature of the driest quarter), and bio2 (mean diurnal range). However, the distribution of particular genera is ruled by a different set of those variables. The distribution of two genera (Leratia and Ulota) is also highly influenced by land cover (especially mixed/other trees), whereas human footprint shows a moderate contribution to models of three genera (Lewinskya, Orthotrichum, Nyholmiella). Based on the occupied climatic niche and distribution patterns, representatives of the studied family are divided into two groups. The 'western-montane group' is characterised by lower temperatures and lower precipitation whereas the 'eastern-lowland' group' by more humid and warmer conditions.

Diversity and distribution of bryophytes in ion-type rare earth mines in southern Jiangxi Province, southeast China, and the implications for vegetation restoration

Diversity and distribution of bryophytes in ion-type rare earth mines in southern Jiangxi Province, southeast China, and the implications for vegetation restoration

Temperature factors are a primary driver of the forest bryophyte diversity and distribution in the southeast Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) is an amplifier of global climate change, where the climate change is happening faster or more dramatically. Bryophytes play an important role in forest communities, and they are sensitive to climate change. In this study, we selected 75 sites in locations in the southeast QTP with well-developed forests and collected bryophytes from soils, stones, trees, and dead wood. By utilizing the large sample set obtained, we investigated the responses of the forest bryophyte diversity and distribution to climate change. We extracted and measured 10 climate factors, including nine macroclimate factors: humidity-, temperature-, solar radiation-related factors, and one microclimate factor, canopy density. We used the ordinary least squares (OLS) to establish simple and multiple regression models between the Shannon diversity index and climate factors and utilized the canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) to investigate the response of the total bryophyte distribution and the differential response of bryophytes growing on soils, stones, trees, and dead wood to climate. We found that most climate factors showed unimodal patterns with the forest bryophyte diversity, and when climate change exceeded the optimal threshold for bryophyte growth, with even small increases, this led to a decrease in the bryophyte diversity. In contrast to previous studies on the response of bryophytes to the climate in other regions, we found temperature factors (i.e., minimal temperature and daily temperature range) were the most influential drivers of the forest bryophyte diversity and distribution, regardless of the growth substrate in the southeast QTP. According to the total explained variance of climate factors to the bryophyte distribution, the bryophytes growing on trees (10.6%) and dead wood (14.3%) were more sensitive to climate than those growing on soils (6.9%) and stones (7.7%). Therefore, with continued global warming, the forest bryophytes of the QTP will face a great threat, as they are most effected by temperature change among all of the climate factors.

Diversity of Bryophytes in India - Special Reference to North-East India

Bryophytes, the first non-vascular embryophytes, are an interesting component of phytodiversity. North-East India can be considered as a hub of bryo-floristic species due to its suitable climatic condition butecological research on bryo-flora is in infancy. Therefore, to assess the diversity and distribution ofbryophytes, we conducted a literature review. From our study, about 23000 species of bryophytes arerecorded in world and nearly 2489 taxa are noted from India among which 340 species are endemic. InNorth-Eastern India, about 1786 of bryophytes are abundantly distributed and most of the endemic specieshave been recorded from Sikkim. Diversity of bryophytes acts as one of the important ecological indicators.A new vision of research has been provided by this review paper on the diversity of bryophytes andconservation of endemic species for future aspects.

Changes in the distribution of bryophytes in a highly urbanised region in Western Europe (Flanders, Belgium): a species-traits analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction In densely populated, highly industrialised regions such as Flanders (northern Belgium), species are under significant environmental pressures arising from air pollution, land use changes, and climate change, which affect distribution patterns and species abundance. Methods We compared bryophyte distribution data for 1980–1999 and 2000–2019. Species traits data were analysed to detect general trends in changes in occupancy for different species of moss and liverwort. Key results Species occupancy increased for epiphytic species of both mosses and liverworts. Liverwort species growing on dead, decorticated wood declined, whereas the number of mosses growing on this substrate increased. Liverworts decreased in all terrestrial habitats except artificial stones and other rocky substrates. Occupancy increased for mosses growing on peat substrates and on hard natural rocks. Changes in occupancy among groups of taxa classified according to Ellenberg values showed that liverworts of wet or moist habitats declined compared with those of dry habitats. Liverworts of warmer regions increased; however, for those characteristic of cold climates, there was no significant change. Conclusions Improvements in air quality, particularly due to reduced SO2 and NOx emissions, has allowed epiphytic bryophyte species numbers to recover. Among terrestrial species, there has been a decline in the number of liverwort species especially, and particularly those adapted to wet, cold conditions. This is probably due to longer and more frequent drought periods during summer, coupled with rising ambient temperatures. Larger, more robust wetlands and forests could be created to mitigate against this decline, these habitats being very fragmented in Flanders.

Bryophyte diversity and microhabitat characteristics of bryophyte-dominated biological soil crusts development in water-wind erosion crisscross region of the northern Loess Plateau, China

Microhabitat factors play an important role in regulating bryophyte species distribution and the development of bryophyte-dominated biological soil crusts (hereafter bryophyte crusts). We investigated the distribution and development of bryophytes in eight microhabitats in the water-wind erosion crisscross region of the Loess Pla-teau. We used the line intercept transects to explore and quantify the influencing pathways of microhabitat factors on bryophyte diversity and analyzed the influencing pathways of plant cover, slope aspect, and slope gradient by using structural equation model to quantify influencing coefficients. Our results showed that: 1) The Patrick, Shannon, Pielou, and Simpson indcies of bryophytes under plant canopy were 63.4%, 66.6%, 91.0%, and 68.3% lower than that without plant canopy, respectively, while the thickness, biomass, and chlorophyll content of bryophyte crusts were 0.5, 0.2, and 1.3 times higher than that without plant canopy, respectively. 2) The Patrick, Shannon, Pielou, and Simpson indexes of bryophytes on the north slope were 0.6, 0.9, 5.6, and 0.9 times higher than those on the south slope, while the thickness, biomass, and chlorophyll content of bryophyte crusts were 0.3, 0.3, and 0.6 times higher than those on the south slope, respectively. 3) As the slope increasing from 14° to 34°, the Patrick, Shannon, Pielou, and Simpson indexes of bryophyte were decreased by 59.8%, 84.1%, 57.3% and 68.0%, and the thickness, biomass, and chlorophyll content of bryophyte crusts were decreased by 15.2%, 25.0%, and 16.5%, respectively. 4) The importance of the three microhabitat factors on bryophyte diversity and the development of bryophyte crusts followed an order of plant canopy cover > slope aspect > slope gradient. The primary influencing pathway varied among the microhabitat factors. In conclusion, plant cover, slope aspect, and slope gradient significantly affected the distribution of bryophytes species and developmental level of bryophyte crusts through direct and indirect pathways. Therefore, full consideration should be given to microhabitat conditions when using bryophyte crusts to control desertification.

Factors influencing the diversity and distribution of epiphytic lichens and bryophytes on the relict tree Zelkova abelicea (Lam.) Boiss. (Ulmaceae)

AbstractTrees have a crucial importance in the functioning of ecosystems on Earth. They are among the largest and longest-living taxa and provide habitat and shelter to numerous species belonging to diverse groups of organisms. Relict trees are of particular interest through their history of survival and adaptation, and because they potentially shelter rare or threatened organisms today. We investigated for the first time the diversity and distribution of epiphytic lichens and bryophytes found on the Cretan (Greek) endemic and relict phorophyte Zelkova abelicea (Ulmaceae). Our results showed that Z. abelicea hosts a high number of epiphytes. The Levka Ori mountain range in western Crete seems to be a hot spot for epiphytic lichens on Z. abelicea. Bryophytes had the highest diversity on Mt Kedros in central Crete but were absent from several other sites. Moreover, 17% of the studied lichens were recorded for the first time for Crete and 5% have never been recorded for Greece. Geographical position and browsing intensity seem to be important factors influencing the epiphytic community encountered. Tree morphology (dwarfed or arborescent) was also significant in influencing community composition although it was not possible to dissociate this factor from the effect of topography. Dwarfed individuals were found to have as much epiphytic diversity as arborescent trees. Ecological indicator values showed that high epiphytic diversity was found in some sites despite signs of eutrophication and disturbance due to pastoral activities and suggest the co-occurrence of both disturbance tolerant and sensitive species. Our results show how little is known about the biodiversity of Cretan phorophytes and highlights the need for further research on the topic.

Disentangling spatial and island shape effects on bryophyte distribution in the Zhoushan Archipelago, China

Disentangling spatial and island shape effects on bryophyte distribution in the Zhoushan Archipelago, China

Epiphytic Bryophytes in an Urban Landscape: Which Factors Determine Their Distribution, Species Richness, and Diversity? A Case Study in Wroclaw, Poland.

There is still a lack of knowledge on the effect of urban environmental factors on bryophyte species distribution and richness. The goal of this study was to fill that gap. We assumed the hypothesis that the urban heat island is the most important factor affecting epiphytic bryophyte species in urban space. The survey was based on a network of 500 one hectare study plots, scattered throughout the city of Wrocław (SW Poland). A set of 27 environmental factors was assessed in the field, as well as by the collection, processing, and interpretation of satellite imagery, LiDAR scans, and climatological data. Canonical correspondence analysis was used to evaluate the significance of the effect of the studied variables on the distribution of bryophyte epiphytes. The effect of the normalized difference vegetation index on epiphytic bryophyte distribution and richness was the strongest. The effects of the urban heat island as well as the tree species diversity appeared weaker, though significant. Among the tree stands features, the supply of European ash Fraxinus excelsior and tree height appeared to be the strongest. Maintaining afforested areas rich in old tree individuals with cooler and more humid microclimates seems to be crucial to the keeping of epiphytic bryophyte species diversity in the urban landscape.

Central European forest floor bryophytes: Richness, species composition, coexistence and diagnostic significance across environmental gradients of forest habitats

Bryophytes are good indicators of habitat conditions and show associations with different types of forests. In this study we assessed the diversity and distribution of forest floor bryophytes across a wide gradient of Central European forests using vegetation records from the Polish Vegetation Database (PVD). We identified forest types using the Habitat Classification of the European Nature Information System (EUNIS) – the main comprehensive pan-European hierarchical classification of habitats. Based on 9258 plots containing bryophyte species and representing 20 forest types, we assessed the species number and cover, species composition of the bryophyte layer, species tendency for coexistence, and bryophyte diagnostic value for forest types. We explained the observed trends by environmental variables and bryophyte species traits to understand how bryophytes function in forest habitats.Bryophyte species number and cover were high in forest types on moist sites, both with deciduous and coniferous tree stands. The richness and abundance of bryophyte species, as well as the species composition of the bryophyte layer depended mainly on substrate moisture, fertility and pH, as well as on the percentage cover of coniferous and deciduous tree species in the stand. Species traits which responded to environmental factors were, first of all, requirements for substrate moisture, fertility and pH. Bryophytes of closed forests and short-lived shuttle species preferred deciduous stands, while bryophytes occurring in forests as well as on open land and perennial species were associated with coniferous stands.Bryophyte species showed a clear preference for forest types, but their fidelity was usually not high. Based on the fidelity of species, we also identified 10 groups of coexisting species which were also indicators of forest types and were dependent on environmental variables.Forest floor bryophytes respond to environmental gradients by species number, cover and composition, and they play a diagnostic role in forest types. Our research shows the importance of databases in learning about bryophyte ecology. However, the use of vegetation data has some limitations.

Patterns of moss richness in Admiralty Bay, King George Island, cannot be explained by geological or ornithogenic drivers alone

AbstractWe set out to document the diversity and distribution of bryophytes in Admiralty Bay and thereby enable the identification of patterns in local diversity and their possible drivers. Combining data extracted from different sources and recent collections, we documented the presence of 63 species. Similarity analyses of moss species diversity in relation to underlying geology and ornithogenic influence identified an identical cophenetic correlation coefficient of 0.744 for both factors. The Sørensen index was < 0.6, indicating that the groups share < 60% of the species recorded. The data showed that the selected filters (ornithogenic soils, non-ornithogenic soils and different geological extracts) did not underlie consistent species groupings, and we conclude that other environmental and topographical factors are likely to be responsible for shaping the moss community structure in Admiralty Bay. To enable effective management of Antarctic Specially Managed Area (ASMA) No. 1 and Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA) No. 128, robust assessments of the local ecosystem and biodiversity are necessary to assist in the decision-making processes mandated under the Antarctic Treaty System, one of whose founding principles is the preservation of the Antarctic ecosystem.

Ecological Studies on Bryophytes of Maredumilli Forest Division (AP), Eastern Ghats of India

Eastern Ghats of East Godavari District consists of a series of detached hill ranges of heterogeneous composition offers variety of plants from lower group of plant kingdom to higher group of plants. Low temperature and high rainfall promote the growth and development of various plant groups especially aerophytic algae (sub aerophytic algae/corticolous algae), Bryophytes and Pteridophytes along with angiosperms. Present investigation was undertaken to study the distribution of bryophytes in the Maredumilli forest division in relation to its seasonal changes. Studies were made in three different seasons of the year during October 2018 to September 2019. A total of 10 species were reported and its frequency was measured by quadrate method. Higher frequency values were recorded during the post monsoon season while lower frequency values were observed in pre monsoon season.