| Abstract Detail
Bryological and Lichenological Section/ABLS Shortlidge, Erin E. [1], Kohler, Hans [2], Eppley, Sarah M. [3], Zuniga, Gustavo [2], Rosenstiel, Todd N. [3], Casanova-Katny, Angelica [4]. Warming reduces stress and enhances reproductive success in an Antarctic moss. The western Antarctic Peninsula is one of the most rapidly warming regions on Earth, and, though often overlooked, mosses are the dominant vegetation in much of this ice-free region. Here we present results of the effects of six years of simulated warming by Open Top Chambers (OTCs) on moss-dominated communities on Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica. Our results show a general increase in sexual reproduction (sporophyte production) in two moss species with combined sexes under experimental warming. To examine the physiological basis of this response, we examined the effects of experimental warming on the growth, sexual reproduction, and stress physiology of the common Antarctic mosses, Polytrichastrum alpinum. With warming, we found distinct morphological and physiological shifts in P. alpinum patches, with mosses reducing investment in antioxidant defense systems, while investing more in primary productivity and sexual reproduction. The rapid response of Antarctic moss communities to experimental warming suggests that some moss species may respond quickly to climactic change along the Western Antarctic Peninsula. We discuss the implications of our results for understanding the role of mosses in influencing the on-going terrestrialization of a warming Antarctica.
Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - Arizona State University, School of Life Sciences, Tempe, AZ, 85281
2 - University of Santiago, Plant Physiology and Biotechnology, Santiago, Chile
3 - Portland State University, Biology Department, 1719 SW 10th Ave. SRTC rm 246, Biology Department, Portland, OR, 97201, United States
4 - University of Concepcion, Microbiology, Concepcion, Chile
Keywords:
Antarctica
moss
sexual reproduction
bryophytes
climate change.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 38
Location: Salon 8/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Tuesday, July 28th, 2015
Time: 11:00 AM
Number: 38010
Abstract ID:1339
Candidate for Awards:None |
