Abstract Detail

Bryology and Lichenology

Morgan, David R. [1], Krstec, Lidija [1], Korn, Randi [1].

Variation in Moss Floras of Southern Piedmont Granite Outcrops.

Moss floras on granite outcrops in the Piedmont of Georgia and Alabama were studied by conducting inventories of 15 outcrops, with the objective of investigating variation in moss flora composition among granite outcrops of different sizes. Across all study sites 78 species were collected, with the number of species per site ranging from 23 at the smallest to 57 at the largest. Linear and nonlinear regression analyses comparing species number with area and with perimeter length showed that the power model produced the best fitting curves among the four models evaluated. In addition, species number was found to be more closely correlated with perimeter length than with area. Thirty-two of the most frequent species comprised the core group of granite outcrop mosses; they each occurred at 60-100% of the 15 sites and formed the bulk of the floras of all but the two largest outcrops. Eight species with primarily northern or southern distributions were found to also occur on granite outcrops, resulting in substantial range extensions. Among these eight species were three new state records: Archidium minus and Dicranum polysetum in Alabama and Hygrohypnum alpestre in Georgia.

1 - University of West Georgia, Biology, 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA, 30118, USA

Keywords:
moss flora
rock outcrops
species-area relationship
Biogeography.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 32, Bryology and Lichenology (ABLS) II
Location: 103/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016
Time: 3:30 PM
Number: 32006
Abstract ID:496
Candidate for Awards:None