Abstract Detail

The biology of rarity: Conservation of bryophytes and lichens

Cleavitt, Nat [1].

Patterns and proximal causes of rarity in bryophytes.

In this symposium introduction, I will briefly review current rarity theory along with patterns and proximal causes of rarity in the sporophyte-dominant plants. The literature available for formulating rare plant management plans consists almost exclusively of studies on endemic flowering plants. I consider how and why bryophytes might differ from other land plants in the relative importance of causes for rarity. Some of the most obvious differences include lower rates of endemism, less specialized gamete dispersal mechanisms and the gametophyte dominant life cycle of bryophytes. I will delve into current approaches for studying rare bryophyte species and argue that bryophytes offer unique plant lineages on which to test and develop our understanding of rarity. Patterns and proximal causes of rarity are being explored by comparisons between rare and common bryophytes in terms of species’ traits, autecology, and occurrence at the community and landscape scales. I will conclude by summarizing current findings for the biology of rarity in bryophytes and highlight outstanding questions and areas for further research.

1 - Cornell University, Natural Resources, 8F Fernow Hall, Ithaca, New York, 14853-3001, US

Keywords:
reproductive biology
establishment ability
Dispersal
coarse filter approach.

Presentation Type: Symposium
Session: 7-1
Location: Ballroom 3 (Cliff Lodge)
Date: Monday, August 2nd, 2004
Time: 8:30 AM
Abstract ID:502