Bryophytes in a Changing World: Understanding Distribution Patterns, Risks, and Conservation

Abstract

Bryophytes are a group of small, non-vascular plants that include mosses, liverworts, and hornworts [...]

Preliminary Studies on the Invertebrate Microfauna Associated with A Terrestrial Moss, Hyophila sp. in Urban Areas of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

“…In addition, they also play an important role in sustaining the lives of number of micro, meso and macro fauna by providing safe nesting site, optimal temperature conditions and act as rich nutrient source [6,15]. Studies on moss micro fauna is not very common, and whatever studies that are available are on moss associated fauna in natural habitats, such as forest floor, streams, mountains etc [1,13,16]. However, almost no significant studies are reported on fauna associated with moss dwelling on man-made structures…”

“…Bryophytes are tiny, autotrophic, non -vascular cryptogams, which are ubiquitous in distribution [1]. They are referred to as "Amphibians of the Plant Kingdom" due to their dual lives on both water and land.…”

“…Many aquatic invertebrates living in association with the mosses are capable of undergoing anhydrobiosis, an adaptation to survive desiccation and remoistening. Protozoans, nematodes, tardigrades, and rotifers are the dominant aquatic moss-dwelling invertebrate groups, and all require free water for activity [1] but all are capable of anhydrobiosis to tolerate periodic drought [8][9][10].…”

“…Studies have shown micro fauna present in the mosses regulates bacterial populations [11] and nutrient mineralization [12]. Even among the limited literature available, most of the studies are on micro fauna associated with moss that dwells in natural systems, such as forests, river banks, mountains etc [1,13]. With rapid urbanization throughout the globe, there are almost no studies that are available on the micro fauna associated with mosses dwelling in urban areas (man-made structures).…”

Bryophyte Diversity and Distribution Patterns along Elevation Gradients of the Mount Etna (Sicily), the Highest Active Volcano in Europea

“…Species distribution models are widely utilized in conservation biogeography due to their ability to estimate potential range shifts for species and communities in response to climate change. Moreover, they have been successfully used to study the distribution of bryophytes in a variety of ecosystems, including identifying areas of high conservation value [ 93 , 94 ]. Consequently, they represent a valuable tool for informing and guiding conservation management planning.…”