Abstract Detail

Bryological and Lichenological Section/ABLS

Kraichak, Ekaphan [1].

Microclimate fluctuation correlated with beta diversity of epiphyllous bryophyte communities .

Site-to-site variation in community composition, or Beta diversity, is a major component of regional diversity. However,we have little understanding of factors that regulate beta diversity. The current study uses leaf-dwelling (epiphyllous) bryophyte communities as a model system to investigate the effects of microclimate on beta diversity. Over 800 epiphyllous bryophytes communities from 36 sites on the island of Mo'orea,French Polynesia were collected and identified. At each site, temperature and relative humidity were measured and converted to vapor pressure deficit(VPD). Using the PERMONOVA procedure(multivariate equivalent of Levene's test for equal variance), the preliminary analysis showed that beta diversity increased with the increasing range of VPD at a given site. The results suggest that epiphyllous communities tend to be more varied (higher beta diversity) in a habitat experiencing a greater amount of change in amount of water vapor available. The finding is consistent with previous anecdotal observations, as well as theoretical predictions from community assembly.

Broader Impacts:

1 - University Of California, Berkeley, Integrative Biology, 1005 Valley Life Science Building # 3140, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA

Keywords:
Epiphylls
Bryophytes
Community
Beta diversity
Microclimate
Vapor Pressure Deficit.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 14
Location: Morrow/Hyatt
Date: Monday, July 9th, 2012
Time: 2:00 PM
Number: 14003
Abstract ID:179