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Abstract Detail



Bryological and Lichenological Section/ABLS

Robinson, Sean [1], Lawrence, Alexander [2].

Bryophyte Reproduction and Dispersal in a Mixed Hardwood Forest.

Bryophytes are an integral component of forest ecosystems, forming extensive mats on logs, stumps, and rocks. The effect of different reproductive/dispersal strategies, however, on the distribution, diversity, abundance, and colonization rate of different species has not been well studied. In order to investigate the dispersal to, and colonization of logs in northern hardwood/coniferous forests, a long-term study is being established at three properties maintained by the SUNY-Oneonta Biological Field Station. The objective of this study was to select appropriate sites and collect baseline data for the long-term study. Three sites at each of three locations (nine sites total) were selected, based on an initial survey of bryophyte diversity and forest composition. This will provide three replicates each of three sites with similar community structure. The location of each site was marked using GPS coordinates. At each location, circular belt transects were established around a central point in half meter increments to a total distance of 10 meters from the central point. Each ½-m transect was surveyed for presence of moss and liverwort patches. When a patch was located, a sample was collected for later identification, and the following information was recorded: substrate type, transect number, compass bearing from central point, presence/absence of sporophytes, site name, date, and time. Here we present data from the first three sites sampled. Combining material collected at all sites, a total of 741 bryophyte patches, representing 50 species (8 liverworts and 42 mosses) were found, sampled, and identified. Overall sporophyte production was highest at the Rum Hill site (44% of material collected) compared to Thayer Farm (35% of material collected) and Greenwoods Conservancy (31%). The most abundant species encountered at all sites also had the greatest sporophyte production. Consequently, a Pearson’s correlation found that sporophyte production was significantly correlated with species abundances (r = 0.93, p = 0.0000). This is an indication of greater dispersal ability and colonization rate of spore producing species compared to those that rely more on asexual means of reproduction and dispersal. Seven of the most abundant species, however, showed low to no sporophyte production. These included five species that are known to proliferate by means of specialized asexual propagules. These results appear to support recent evidence which suggests that species relying more on asexual propagules are equally capable of dispersal, at least within a 314 m2 area, as those that produce high numbers of spores.

Broader Impacts:


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1 - SUNY-Oneonta, Biology, 112 Science 1, SUNY-Oneonta, Oneonta, NY, 13820, USA
2 - SUNY-Oneonta, Environmental Science, 7 Wells Ave, Oneonta, NY, 13820, USA

Keywords:
Bryophytes
reproduction
Dispersal.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 23
Location: Ascot/Riverside Hilton
Date: Tuesday, July 30th, 2013
Time: 9:30 AM
Number: 23003
Abstract ID:771
Candidate for Awards:None


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