The persistence and abundance of most of the species in an area are the result of a dynamic balance between the duration of the habitat and the ability of species to colonize such environments through the production and dispersion of spores. This study presents a preliminary analysis of bryophyte’s spores from the pauli of the Giara of Gesturi (C Sardinia). The Giare (average altitude 550 m a.s.l.) are basaltic plateaus that rise unexpectedly from the plain of the country, as huge natural fortresses. Several authors have studied the population dynamics of some bryophytes confined to fragmented and temporary habitat (1, 2, 3) and, in particular, studies conducted by Herben & Söderström (4) show that the most important factor that regulates the survival of the species is the ability to form new colonies on substrates fragmented. The aim of this study is to determine what are the species that show a better fitness for survival and adaptation in Mediterranean temporary ponds, in order to evaluate the conservation status. In Europe, Mediterranean temporary ponds are indicated as priority natural habitats under the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC (5): in those habitats bryophytes are recognized to have an important ecological function. Thirthy soil samples were collected in November (rainy season) in three ponds until the depths of 7 cm. The samples were taken and subdivided in seven portions, which were collected for obtaining an ex situ germination of spores, at the Botanical Garden of University of Cagliari. The results showed the capacity of some genus and two species to germinate in ex-situ conditions: Bryum sp., Pohlia sp., Tortula sp., Fossombronia sp., Riccia canaliculata Hoffm. and Archidium alternifolium (Hedw.) Mitt. It is possible to observe as these bryophytes are the most recurring in the study area, showing a better fitness for survival and adaptation to these environments. 1) W.S.C. Gurney and R.M. Nisbet (1978) American naturalist, 112, 1075-1090. 2) J. Roughgarden and Y. Iwasa (1986) Theoret. Popul. Biol., 29, 235-61. 3) L. Fahrig and J. Paloheimo (1988) Theoret. Popul. Biol., 34, 194-213. 4) T. Herben and L. Söderström (1992) Biological conservation, 59, 121-126. 5) Directive 92/43/CEE. (1992) Journal officiel de Communautés europénnes L 206:7.

Analysis of bryophyte’s spores in Mediterranean temporary ponds

CORTIS, PIERLUIGI;COGONI, ANNALENA
2014-01-01

Abstract

The persistence and abundance of most of the species in an area are the result of a dynamic balance between the duration of the habitat and the ability of species to colonize such environments through the production and dispersion of spores. This study presents a preliminary analysis of bryophyte’s spores from the pauli of the Giara of Gesturi (C Sardinia). The Giare (average altitude 550 m a.s.l.) are basaltic plateaus that rise unexpectedly from the plain of the country, as huge natural fortresses. Several authors have studied the population dynamics of some bryophytes confined to fragmented and temporary habitat (1, 2, 3) and, in particular, studies conducted by Herben & Söderström (4) show that the most important factor that regulates the survival of the species is the ability to form new colonies on substrates fragmented. The aim of this study is to determine what are the species that show a better fitness for survival and adaptation in Mediterranean temporary ponds, in order to evaluate the conservation status. In Europe, Mediterranean temporary ponds are indicated as priority natural habitats under the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC (5): in those habitats bryophytes are recognized to have an important ecological function. Thirthy soil samples were collected in November (rainy season) in three ponds until the depths of 7 cm. The samples were taken and subdivided in seven portions, which were collected for obtaining an ex situ germination of spores, at the Botanical Garden of University of Cagliari. The results showed the capacity of some genus and two species to germinate in ex-situ conditions: Bryum sp., Pohlia sp., Tortula sp., Fossombronia sp., Riccia canaliculata Hoffm. and Archidium alternifolium (Hedw.) Mitt. It is possible to observe as these bryophytes are the most recurring in the study area, showing a better fitness for survival and adaptation to these environments. 1) W.S.C. Gurney and R.M. Nisbet (1978) American naturalist, 112, 1075-1090. 2) J. Roughgarden and Y. Iwasa (1986) Theoret. Popul. Biol., 29, 235-61. 3) L. Fahrig and J. Paloheimo (1988) Theoret. Popul. Biol., 34, 194-213. 4) T. Herben and L. Söderström (1992) Biological conservation, 59, 121-126. 5) Directive 92/43/CEE. (1992) Journal officiel de Communautés europénnes L 206:7.
2014
Temporary ponds ; Bryophytes ; Spores
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11584/59429
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