The process of colonization in Antarctic terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems

• Main Authors: J. Cynan Ellis-evans, David Walton
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1990
• Subjects: Antarctic; Antarc*
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.626.3261; http://polaris.nipr.ac.jp/~penguin/polarbiosci/issues/pdf/1990-Ellis.pdf

Abstract: Severe and depauperate ecosystems provide excellent sites for studies of colonization. Energy and resource limitations act as effective filters to establish-ment and development of conlmunities. Propagule availability must be considered from both local and long-distance sources with consequent effects on dispersion and viability. Predominant emphasis on asexual reproduction in many groups imposes a further limitation on populations at the genetic level. At present little is known of the frequency and success of individual colonization events in any Antarctic site but we can begin to identify critical factors in the process. This paper examines the key components of colonization, identifies areas in which research is lacking, and proposes some novel approaches for tackling this important issue. 1.