Bryophyte Species Diversity Research Articles

Diversity of saproxylic bryophytes in old‐growth and managed beech forests in the central Balkans

The diversity of saproxylic bryophyte species in beech forest stands from the wide region of the central Balkans (i.e. Serbia and Montenegro) was studied, and this study is the first of such a type in SE Europe. Comparison of preserved old‐growth and managed forests were made. Bryophyte species diversity is higher in primeval forest stands where the spectra of dead wood in various decaying stages of its dynamics are present. The ecological group of epixylic specialists is predominant among the bryophytes recorded. Threatened bryophyte species occur in old‐growth beech stands. The dead wood as habitat together with some other factors are extremely important for the surviving of epixylic bryophyte; so these species can be used as bioindicator bryophyte species of old‐growth or managed and structured forest ecosystems.

Effects of environmental heterogeneity on species diversity and composition of terrestrial bryophyte assemblages in tropical montane forests of southern Ecuador

Background: Most studies on tropical bryophytes deal with epiphytic species. This is the first ecological study of tropical forests that focuses specifically on terrestrial bryophytes. Aim: To investigate the differences between slope and ridge environments in upper montane forests of southern Ecuador in terms of species diversity (richness, abundance), species composition and life forms of terrestrial bryophytes. Methods: We used Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) to group bryophyte relevés by study location, habitat type and exposure class. Species indicator values were calculated and compared for different habitats. Results: In total, 140 species were recorded, the majority being liverworts. NMDS analyses and Mantel correlations clearly separated between slope and ridge relevés, and between sunny and shaded microhabitats on ridges. Bryophyte life forms also showed different distribution patterns in slope and in ridge habitats. Mosses were more prominent in sunny than in shaded microhabitats. Conclusions: Environmental differentiation between ridges and slopes, and small-scale variation in microclimatic conditions caused by differences in exposure, were stronger predictors of species richness and composition than geographical distance between study sites.

Influence of substrate age and quality on species diversity of lichens and bryophytes on stumps

Stumps from the last felling constitute a large proportion of dead wood in young managed forests. Yet, the knowledge of the diversity of stump-inhabiting organisms is poor. We studied the importance of substrate age and quality to lichen and bryophyte diversity on the cut surface of stumps in south-central Sweden. In total, we found 53 lichens and 35 bryophytes on 449 Norway spruce stumps in a forest stand chronosequence of four age classes: 4-5, 8-9, 12-13 and 16-18 years old stands. The influence of substrate age and substrate quality on species diversity differed between lichens and bryophytes. Lichen species richness was higher for age classes 2-4 compared to age class 1, whereas bryophyte richness was higher in age classes 3-4 than in 1. Further, lichen richness increased with increasing stump height and the presence of surface structural components (chairs and levels), which together with decay also influenced lichen species composition. Conversely, increasing stump height and the presence of levels decreased bryophyte richness, which in turn increased with increasing decay, surface area and number of surrounding trees and shrubs. Only decay explained differences in bryophyte species composition. Stumps in this region seem more important to overall lichen diversity, because there were on average more lichen species per stump and we only found common bryophytes but several uncommon lichens. The different responses of lichens and bryophytes to age and substrate variables indicates, however, the importance of including several organism groups in species diversity studies of dead wood.

Species Diversity and Genetic Variation of Terrestrial Lichens and Bryophytes in A Boreal Jack Pine Forest of Central Canada

Little is known about species diversity and genetic structure of populations of lichens and bryophytes in the Sandilands Provincial Forest in Manitoba. This study investigated the current species diversity of lichens and bryophytes in the area. It also examined the population structure and gene flow in the lichen (Cladonia arbuscula) with the highest cover and second most frequent occurrence, and bryophyte (Pleurozium schreberi) with the highest frequency and percent ground cover. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) of the presence and absence of group I introns in the fungal small subunit (SSU) nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (RFLP) of the algal Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) rDNA suggests that low levels of gene flow were occurring in the fungus while a single algal genotype was maintaining the lichen association. Similarly, Interspersed Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers of the bryophyte suggested low levels of gene flow. The examination of variation in both lichen symbionts and a bryophyte, dominant within the same habitat, is a novel aspect of this study. Both these widespread species, dominating the understory in mature jack pine forests, exhibited low levels of sexual reproduction.

Contrasting Arboreal and Terrestrial Macrolichen and Bryophyte Communities in Old-Growth Sub-Boreal Spruce Forests of Central British Columbia

Abstract Macroclichen and bryophyte species diversity, abundance, biomass and nitrogen stocks were compared between arboreal and terrestrial habitats in old-growth sub-boreal spruce forests in central British Columbia, Canada on the two most common soil types in the area, fine- and coarse-textured soils. A total of 118 macrolichen and bryophyte species were identified, including 71 species of macrolichens (44 arboreal and 43 terrestrial) and 47 species of bryophytes, of which only one moss (Orthotrichum sp.) was arboreal. Macrolichen functional groups varied in both diversity and abundance between arboreal and terrestrial communities. Cyanolichens were common in both arboreal and terrestrial habitats, but were much more abundant arboreally than terrestrially. This epiphytic biomass was largely attributed to the tripartite cyanolichen species, Lobaria pulmonaria, while the most common terrestrial macrolichens were bipartite Peltigera cyanolichen species. From a biomass perspective, the epiphyte community w...

Effect of environmental change on species diversity of bryophytes: a case study in Xujiahui (Zi ka Wei) area, Shanghai

Effect of environmental change on species diversity of bryophytes: a case study in Xujiahui (Zi ka Wei) area, Shanghai

Global diversity patterns among pleurocarpous mosses

Abstract Some controversy has existed concerning the relative levels of bryophyte species diversity in tropical and temperate areas. In this study global diversity patterns of pleurocarpous moss species are investigated by means of Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling ordination based on checklists from 78 countries or other geographical areas spread over all the inhabitable parts of the world. By far, most of the diversity occurs outside the Holarctic area (excluding most of temperate eastern Asia), and especially the tropics have a very diverse pleurocarpous moss flora. Although earlier studies have shown that bryophyte alpha diversity is similar or almost similar in tropical and temperate areas, species turnover among pleurocarps is higher among areas within regions and especially among continents in the tropical rather than in the temperate zone. These results underline the priority of tropical areas for both research and globally sound conservation measures.

Enhancing vegetation diversity in glades, rides and roads in plantation forests

Permanent open spaces in plantation forests provide an opportunity for enhancing biodiversity in plantations and in the wider landscape. We surveyed vegetation in 60 glades, rides and roads in 12 Irish plantation forests, and collected data on solar radiation, soil and management. Variation in species richness and diversity of vascular plants and bryophytes was determined principally by soil factors and open space management. Light levels were positively associated with vascular plant species richness and negatively associated with richness of bryophytes. In rides, the most important plantation feature in determining solar radiation levels and plant diversity was ride width. Increasing edge-to-area ratio corresponded with a decrease in β-diversity within glades. Roadside plots most strongly influenced by road gravel and disturbance supported the highest vascular plant, open-habitat and ruderal species richness and vegetation evenness. For open spaces to contribute significantly to the biodiversity of plantation forests, rides and roads should be a minimum of 15 m in width and glades should be a minimum of 625–900 m 2 in area.

Is vascular plant species diversity a predictor of bryophyte species diversity in Mediterranean forests?

This study aimed to (i) investigate the congruence among the species composition and diversity of bryophytes and vascular plants in forests; (ii) test if site prioritization for conservation aims by the maximization of the pooled number of vascular plant species is effective to maximize the pooled number of bryophyte species. The study was performed in six forests in Tuscany, Italy. Four-hundred and twenty vascular plant species (61 of which were woody) and 128 bryophyte species were recorded in 109 plots. Despite the good predictive value of the compositional patterns of both woody plants and total vascular with respect to the compositional pattern of bryophytes, the species richness of the latter was only marginally related to the species richness of the former two. Bryophyte rare species were not spatially related to rare plant species and neither coincided with the sites of highest plant species richness. The species accumulation curves of bryophytes behaved differently with respect to those of woody plants or total vascular plants. Reserve selection analysis based on the maximization of the pooled species richness of either woody plants or total vascular plants were not effective in maximizing the pooled species richness of bryophytes. This study indicates that species diversity of vascular plants is not likely to be a good indicator of the bryophyte species diversity in Mediterranean forests.

Species diversity and species composition of epiphytic bryophytes and lichens – a comparison of managed and unmanaged beech forests in NE Germany

AbstractThe impact of forest management on the species diversity and species composition of epiphytic bryophytes and lichens in beech forests (Fagus sylvatica) of NE Germany was analysed. The investigations were carried out in one unmanaged and in one managed forest, with 45 sample plots of 400 m2each. In the sample plots, the presence of the epiphytes on 2–4 randomly chosen trees (100 trees per forest) and seven environmental variables were recorded. The total number of species and the mean lichen density per mantle area was higher in the unmanaged forest than in the managed forest. Regression analyses and DCA revealed the diameter at breast height (dbh) as the most important factor affecting the species diversity and species composition in both forest types. The dbh was positively correlated with the number of growth anomalies and with the bark roughness of the phorophytes and thus a good indicator for the habitat quality. Moreover, the light conditions had a significant impact on the species composition in both forests types and on the species diversity in the managed forest. In particular, epiphytes demanding shady conditions and a consistent humidity may suffer from the abrupt exposition to radiation and the lower humidity after logging. Species typical for the unmanaged forest and most rare species must be considered as stenoecious as they demand the shady and humid conditions of the forest interior and grow on old, large trees. With the aim of sustaining the diversity of epiphytic bryophytes and lichens, forest management should ensure the continuous occurrence of big trees above the target diameter. In addition, a single tree selection felling method should be applied to minimise strong changes in the microclimate. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Species diversity of bryophytes inferred from molecular information

Species diversity of bryophytes inferred from molecular information

The response of Alaskan arctic tundra to experimental warming: differences between short‐ and long‐term responses

AbstractGlobal climate models predict continued rapid warming for most of the Arctic throughout the next century. To further understand the response of arctic tundra to climate warming, four sites in northern Alaska were warmed for five to seven consecutive growing seasons using open‐top chambers. Sites were located in dry heath and wet meadow communities near Barrow (71°18′N, 156°40′W) and Atqasuk (70°29′N, 157°25′W). Change in plant community composition was measured using a point frame method. During the period of observation, species richness declined in control plots by up to 2.7 species plot−1. Responses to warming varied by site but similar trends included increased canopy height (−0.1 to 2.3 cm) and relative cover of standing dead plant matter (1.5–6.0%) and graminoids (1.8–5.8%) and decreased species diversity (0.1–1.7 species plot−1) and relative cover of lichens (0.2–9.1%) and bryophytes (1.4–4.6%) (parentheses enclose the range of average values for the sites). The response to warming was separated into an initial short‐term response assessed after two growing seasons of warming and a secondary longer‐term response assessed after an additional three to five growing seasons of warming. The initial responses to warming were similar in the four sites, while the secondary responses varied by site. The response to warming was greater at Barrow than Atqasuk because of a greater initial response at Barrow. However, the long‐term response to warming was projected to be greater at Atqasuk because of a greater secondary response at Atqasuk. These findings show that predictions of vegetation change due to climate warming based on manipulative experiments will differ depending on both the duration and plant community on which the study focuses.

Predictors of moss and liverwort species diversity of microsites in conifer‐dominated boreal forest

Patterns of moss and liverwort species diversity — species richness and species turnover (β‐diversity) — in three conifer‐dominated boreal forest stands of northern Alberta, Canada are described. We examined the relationship between bryophyte species diversity and micro‐environment at two sample grains, the microsite — substrate types for moss colonization: logs, stumps, tree bases, undisturbed patches of forest floor (dominated by feather moss species), and disturbed patches of forest floor — and the mesosite (25 m × 25 m plots). Microsite type and properties (e.g. decay class, hardwood vs softwood, pH) were the principal predictors of bryophyte species diversity and not micro‐environment variation among mesosites. Microsite type was the strongest predictor of microsite species richness and β‐diversity was higher among microsites and types and within microsites than among mesosites or stands. Microsite properties were significant predictors of species richness for all microsite types. Log and stump decay classes, influenced also by hardwood vs softwood predicted species richness of woody microsite types and soil pH and moisture predicted species richness of forest floor microsites. β‐diversity was highest for tree bases and disturbed patches of forest floor and lowest for logs. Mesosite β‐diversity was lower than that among microsites, and mesosite species richness was not well explained by measured environmental parameters. Results suggest that in conifer‐dominated boreal stands, species richness of microsites is only negligibly influenced by within‐stand variation at the mesosite grain and that substrate characteristics are the most important predictors of bryophyte species diversity in this ecosystem.

Predictors of moss and liverwort species diversity of microsites in conifer-dominated boreal forest

Patterns of moss and liverwort species diversity — species richness and species turnover (β-diversity) — in three conifer-dominated boreal forest stands of northern Alberta, Canada are described. We examined the relationship between bryophyte species diversity and micro-environment at two sample grains, the microsite — substrate types for moss colonization: logs, stumps, tree bases, undisturbed patches of forest floor (dominated by feather moss species), and disturbed patches of forest floor — and the mesosite (25 m × 25 m plots). Microsite type and properties (e.g. decay class, hardwood vs softwood, pH) were the principal predictors of bryophyte species diversity and not micro-environment variation among mesosites. Microsite type was the strongest predictor of microsite species richness and β-diversity was higher among microsites and types and within microsites than among mesosites or stands. Microsite properties were significant predictors of species richness for all microsite types. Log and stump decay classes, influenced also by hardwood vs softwood predicted species richness of woody microsite types and soil pH and moisture predicted species richness of forest floor microsites. β-diversity was highest for tree bases and disturbed patches of forest floor and lowest for logs. Mesosite β-diversity was lower than that among microsites, and mesosite species richness was not well explained by measured environmental parameters. Results suggest that in conifer-dominated boreal stands, species richness of microsites is only negligibly influenced by within-stand variation at the mesosite grain and that substrate characteristics are the most important predictors of bryophyte species diversity in this ecosystem.

Bryophyte Diversity, Microhabitat Differentiation, and Distribution of Life Forms in Costa Rican Upper Montane Quercus Forest

Upper montane oak forests in the Cordillera de Talamanca show a high diversity of bryophyte species and great diversification of microhabitats. A complete bryophyte inventory of six hectare of forest yielded 206 species: 100 mosses, 105 hepatics, and one hornwort. Based on similarities in species composition the forest microhabitats cluster into three main groups: 1) forest floor habitats (including tree base), 2) phyllosphere, and 3) other epiphytic habitats. The contribution of forest floor habitats to total bryophyte species richness is much higher than in forests of lower elevational belts. Distribution of species and life forms in different microhabitats reflect the vertical variation of humidity and light regimes. At the same time they show the impact of the pronounced dry season and the structural characters (tree height, stratification, number of host tree species) of these oak forests on epiphytic bryophytes compared to more humid forests and upper montane forests of lower stature.

Comparison of plantations and naturally regenerated clearcuts in the Acadian Forest: forest floor bryophyte community and habitat features

To address concern for loss of bryophyte biodiversity within managed forests, we compared community composition and environmental characteristics among three disturbance regimes: (i) naturally regenerated clear-cut forests, (ii) cutover spruce plantations (established on clear-cut forest land), and (iii) afforested field spruce plantations (established on agricultural fields) across a range of ages (19–102 years) in the Acadian Forest region of New Brunswick, Canada. Abundances of all forest floor bryophyte species, available substrates, microtopographical features, and tree canopy were measured as percent cover (1 m2) in 26 stands: 12 naturally regenerated clear-cut forests, eight cutover plantations, and six afforested field plantations. Multivariate analyses indicated that both bryophyte community composition and associated environment differed significantly across disturbance regimes, with no strong trends related to time since clearing (i.e., stand age). Spruce plantations were characterized by low substrate diversity and microtopographic and canopy homogeneity. Both plantation types had lower bryophyte species richness, evenness, and diversity (H') relative to naturally regenerated clear-cut forests; cutover plantations had the highest total bryophyte cover. The bryophyte community of plantations was composed of a subset of species found within naturally regenerated clear-cut forests: many liverworts and epixylic mosses were absent, with fewer pioneer species and more perennial stayers (equivalent to K-strategists) than expected.Key words: bryophyte, disturbance regime, substrate, canopy, microtopography, plantation.

Relationship between overstory trees, leaf-litter, rocks and forest floor bryophyte species diversity in the montane forests of Mt. Tsukuba, Central Japan

Relationship between overstory trees, leaf-litter, rocks and forest floor bryophyte species diversity in the montane forests of Mt. Tsukuba, Central Japan

Effects of management and altitude on bryophyte species diversity and composition in montane calcareous fens

Summary We examined patterns of bryophyte species richness and communities in 36 montane calcareous fens in Switzerland. Sites differed in management regime (grazing vs. mowing) and altitude. In addition, several environmental variables were measured. Bryophyte diversity was determined as species density (mean of 5 plots per site), as species richness (number of all species of a site) and as β-diversity. Species richness was 20% higher at grazed than at mown sites. We interpret this as the result of higher environmental heterogeneity at grazed sites. This could also be the cause for the significantly higher β-diversity at grazed sites. However, there was a significant management × altitude interaction caused by species-poor sites at low altitudes under grazing. This interaction might be caused by more intensive grazing at low altitude. Grazed sites contained the higher overall species richness (117 vs. 79), more exclusive species (47 vs. 9), and more Red List-species (12 vs. 6). Altitude had only an effect on the number of exclusive species, which was highest at high-altitude sites. No differences could be found for species densities both between management regimes and between altitude classes. This result indicates no differences in habitat heterogeneity at the within-plot scale. For analysis of effects of environmental variables on bryophyte communities, we used a direct ordination technique (CCA). The variables pH, amount of total carbon in the soil and management turned out to be the most important in explaining variation in the species data. However, variation explained by total carbon could also be explained in terms of total nitrogen or moisture. For preserving bryophyte diversity in montane wet meadows, extensive grazing by cattle is crucial. Due to slightly different bryophyte communities under the different management regimes, however, bryophyte diversity at the landscape level will be highest when both types of management are maintained.

Management forest types as a surrogate for vascular plant, bryophyte and lichen diversity

Forest types defined for forest-management purposes are being used in reserve selection and to assess logging impacts on flora and fauna. We investigate whether these forest types are adequate surrogates for vascular plant, bryophyte and lichen species diversity. The data were collected in 35 0.1-ha areas distributed throughout the Morisset Forestry District, north of Sydney, New South Wales. We use analysis of variance and analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) to show that vascular plant, bryophyte and lichen species richness and composition all varied significantly between forest types. Greater differences in species were obtained by using the more refined seven-forest type classification used for management purposes, compared to the five-forest type classification used for environmental impact assessment. Greatest differences were found between the drier, more exposed forest types and the moist, relatively protected forest types of the lower slopes and riparian areas. Highly significant differences in species composition were found for all groups; however, there was still considerable variation not accounted for. Therefore, the validity of the assumption that sites might respond similarly to disturbance must be further investigated. For reserve selection, it is suggested that two of the drier forest types are interchangeable when considering areas to be reserved.

Effects of Natural Soil Acidification on Biodiversity in Boreal Forest Ecosystems

Variations in soil acidity and in biodiversity were analysed in the National Natural Park "Russian North", European Russia. Improving soil quality from podzol, podzolic soil, derno-podzolic soil, brown earth to pararendzina leads to increase in diversity and changes in floristical composition, followed by changing of pine and spruce forest to mixed and birch forests. In PCA ordination species diversity, richness and evenness of trees, shrubs and vascular plants are closely connected with each other, and are represented by the first principal component. They are strongly correlated to the thickness of Al horizon, pHH20 and pHCaC12 in organic, surface and subsurface mineral horizons. Only bryophyte species richness and diversity are directly related to the thickness and weight of organic horizon, soil exchangeable acidity, and inversely related to the thickness of Al horizon and pH. Thus, the ordination of the major species diversity variables is highly related to soil pH, suggesting that pH is the best soil related predictor of species diversity parameters. Our study shows that plants notably respond to soil acidification in boreal forest ecosystems.