Antarctic Mosses

Type of content
Theses / Dissertations
Publisher's DOI/URI
Thesis discipline
Science
Degree name
Postgraduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies
Publisher
University of Canterbury
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Language
English
Date
2002
Authors
Braybn, Lars
Abstract

A literature review on Antarctic mosses was undertaken to identify the types of mosses found in Antarctica and the main environmental determinants of their habitats. This information was then discussed in relation to constructing a Geographical Information System habitat model. Mosses reproduce asexually in Antarctica because of the harsh conditions therefore endemism is unlikely. The main limiting determinants of habitat are factors such as temperature, available moisture, exposure to solar radiation and wind, and soil type. The main habitats are in Antarctic Peninsula, Ross Island, and coastal seasonally ice free areas. Mosses are more sensitive than lichens and cyanobacteria to climate change and therefore are a good indicator of global climatic change. Many of the determinants of moss habitat can be represented in a Geographical Information System. A literature review on Antarctic mosses was undertaken to identify the types of mosses found in Antarctica and the main environmental determinants of their habitats. This information was then discussed in relation to constructing a Geographical Information System habitat model. Mosses reproduce asexually in Antarctica because of the harsh conditions therefore endemism is unlikely. The main limiting determinants of habitat are factors such as temperature, available moisture, exposure to solar radiation and wind, and soil type. The main habitats are in Antarctic Peninsula, Ross Island, and coastal seasonally ice free areas. Mosses are more sensitive than lichens and cyanobacteria to climate change and therefore are a good indicator of global climatic change. Many of the determinants of moss habitat can be represented in a Geographical Information System.

Description
Citation
Keywords
Ngā upoko tukutuku/Māori subject headings
ANZSRC fields of research
Rights
All Rights Reserved