Antarctic Mosses

• Main Author: Braybn, Lars
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: English
• Published: University of Canterbury 2002
• Subjects: Antarctic; Antarctic Peninsula; Ross Island; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10092/14020

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.