The influence of air pollution on moss-dwelling animals: 1. Methodology and composition of flora and fauna

Steiner, W A

doi:10.5962/bhl.part.79917

Cited by 47 publications

(28 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…Temporally, bryophytes are also stable resources, as they are perennials and many remain green year‐round. In terms of both species richness and biomass, large numbers of insects utilize mosses as shelter from predators and the elements (Brusven et al., 1990; Glime, 1994; Steiner, 1994). One would therefore expect high selection pressure for the ability of moss‐dwelling insects to eat mosses, as this would allow them to feed without leaving the protected, buffered climate that the mosses provide.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bryophytes as food: comparative consumption and utilization of mosses by a generalist insect herbivore

Haines¹,

Renwick²

2009

Entomologia Exp Applicata

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Compared with angiosperms, bryophytes are seldom fed upon by insects, despite being commonly used for shelter. Bryophytes are assumed to be unpalatable, and three classes of mechanisms have been suggested as possible barriers to bryophagy: chemical defenses, low digestibility, and low nutrient content. However, very few studies have tested these hypotheses. The present study examines pre‐ and post‐ingestive defenses of mosses. The acceptability and quality of four species of moss –Bryum argenteum Hedw. (Bryales: Bryaceae), Climacium americanum Brid. (Leucodontales: Climaciaceae), Leucobryum glaucum (Hedw.) (Dicranales: Leucobryaceae), and Sphagnum warnstorfii Russ. (Sphagnales: Sphagnaceae) – were compared with two control diets using the generalist caterpillar, Trichoplusia ni Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Plusiinae). In no‐choice trials, caterpillars consumed much less of any of the mosses than lettuce or wheat germ. The only moss consumed in sufficient quantities to evaluate post‐ingestive responses was C. americanum. Digestibility, assimilation, and overall utilization efficiency of C. americanum did not differ from that of lettuce, although C. americanum and lettuce were both less digestible than artificial diet. Choice assays using leaf discs showed that ethanol extract of L. glaucum, the least consumed moss, was deterrent, implying that chemical defenses play a major role in deterring feeding on L. glaucum. This study suggested that pre‐ingestive mechanisms are more important than post‐ingestive mechanisms in discouraging herbivory on mosses, and offered evidence that mosses are not simply nutrient poor.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bryophytes as food: comparative consumption and utilization of mosses by a generalist insect herbivore

Haines¹,

Renwick²

2009

Entomologia Exp Applicata

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“…Bryophyte and invertebrate communities are ideal candidates for latitudinal and altitudinal studies as they are found from the tropics to the polar regions and from sea level to above the tree line. However, bryophytes and their associated invertebrate communities have been relatively poorly studied in the past (exceptions include Gerson, 1969, 1982; Lindegaard & Thorup, 1975; Andre, 1983; Booth & Usher, 1985; Kinchin, 1990; Englund, 1991; Smrz, 1992; Suren, 1993; Glime, 1994; Steiner, 1994a,b). As bryophyte communities tolerate a wider range of environmental conditions, and have a longer altitudinal gradient than vascular plants (Grout, 1908; Lee & La Roi, 1979; Kantvilas & Jarman, 1991; Odasz, 1996), strong generalizations on observable changes in diversity along altitudinal gradients can be made if any patterns do exist.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Variation in invertebrate–bryophyte community structure at different spatial scales along altitudinal gradients

Andrew

Rodgerson

Dunlop

2003

Journal of Biogeography

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Aim This study assessed changes in diversity and assemblage composition in bryophytes and their associated invertebrates along altitudinal gradients in Australia and New Zealand. The importance of altitude in shaping these communities and for the diversity of both invertebrates and bryophytes was examined at different spatial scales, including local, altitudinal, regional and biogeographical.Location Samples were taken from four Australasian mountain ranges between 42°and 43°S: Mt Field and Mt Rufus, Tasmania, Australia, and Otira Valley and Seaward Kaikoura Mountains, South Island, New Zealand.Methods On both Tasmanian mountains, five altitudes were assessed (250, 500, 750, 1000 and 1250 m). At each location (mountain/altitude combination) two sites were chosen and six samples were taken. Six altitudes were assessed on New Zealand mountains (Otira: 250, 500, 750, 1000, 1250 and 1500 m; Kaikoura: 1130Kaikoura: , 1225Kaikoura: , 1325Kaikoura: , 1425Kaikoura: , 1525Kaikoura: and 2000. Bryophyte substrate was collected, and all samples were stored in 70% ethanol. Invertebrates were extracted from bryophytes using kerosenephase separation and all invertebrates were identified to family. At each location in Tasmania, all bryophyte species within six 25-cm 2 grids per site were collected and identified to species. Bryophytes from New Zealand were identified to species from the invertebrate sample substrate because of sampling constraints.Results Altitude did have a significant effect on diversity, however, no general trend was found along the altitudinal gradient on the four mountains. There were distinct differences in diversity between biogeographical regions, mountains, altitudes and sites. In Tasmania, Mt Field had the highest diversity in invertebrates and bryophytes at 750 m. In contrast, Mt Rufus had consistent low invertebrate and bryophyte diversity along the entire altitudinal gradient. There were also distinctive differences between locations in the composition of invertebrate and bryophyte communities in Tasmania. Along the two altitudinal gradients in New Zealand, Otira had highest diversity for both invertebrates and bryophytes at low altitudes, whereas Kaikoura had highest invertebrate and lowest bryophyte diversity at the highest altitude. Main conclusionsThere was an effect of altitude, however, there were no consistent changes in diversity or composition on the four different mountains. There was considerable local and regional variation, and, despite a strong sampling design, no underlying altitudinal trends were detectable. This study demonstrates the importance of examining a range of spatial scales if patterns in community structure along altitudinal gradients are to be studied. The implications of this study are discussed with reference to survey design, taxonomic resolution, climate change and conservation of habitat.

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“…Researchers have inventoried 207 species of vascular plants and 60 mosses on vertical walls and their tops [28], and published a list of the more common plants and lichens living on historic walls [29], with more than 300 species recorded on vertical walls [30]. Steiner (1994) inventoried 194 taxa of invertebrates, including nematodes, tardigrades, rotifers, and arthropods, among which mites and springtails were the most common together with centipedes, beetles, and other insects [31]. Walls are of particular importance for woodlice and spiders.…”

Section: Are Green Walls and Green Roofs Large Enough For Supporting mentioning

confidence: 99%

Green Roofs and Green Walls for Biodiversity Conservation: A Contribution to Urban Connectivity?

2018

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Green roofs and walls have recently emerged as conservation tools, and they offer promising additional opportunities to enhance biodiversity in cities. However, their ecological conditions remain poorly considered when planning wildlife corridors. To discuss the role of vegetated buildings in landscape connectivity, we reviewed the ecological and technical specificities of green walls and green roofs in light of the key factors concerning urban wildlife (patch size, quality, abundance, and isolation). Green roofs and walls show limited patch sizes, distinct habitat quality at the building scale, and limited redundancy of patch quality within the landscape. We also highlight that the abundance of roof and wall patches is often low. Future research is needed to establish if walls can be vertical corridors for wildlife, thereby reducing the isolation of green roofs. We argue that creating 3D ecological connectivity within the city requires substantial modifications of the design and maintenance of existing green building systems. We suggest that research is needed to integrate the biotic and abiotic characteristics of green buildings to make them more closely resemble those of open green spaces.

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The influence of air pollution on moss-dwelling animals: 1. Methodology and composition of flora and fauna

Cited by 47 publications

References 25 publications

Bryophytes as food: comparative consumption and utilization of mosses by a generalist insect herbivore

Bryophytes as food: comparative consumption and utilization of mosses by a generalist insect herbivore

Variation in invertebrate–bryophyte community structure at different spatial scales along altitudinal gradients

Green Roofs and Green Walls for Biodiversity Conservation: A Contribution to Urban Connectivity?

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