Distribution patterns of soil lichens across the principal biomes of southern Africa
Date
2011
Authors
Zedda L.
Grongroft A.
Schultz M.
Petersen A.
Mills A.
Rambold G.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
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Abstract
The present study was undertaken to assess baseline distribution patterns for soil lichens occurring in the principal biomes of southern Africa, and to analyse their relationship to selected environmental parameters. Among the lichen species found across our survey sites, four distinct groups could be delineated, each as distinct consortium of lichen species sharing particular morphological characters (e.g. growth-form, pigmentation and type of photobiont kind). These groups are largely correlated with specific environmental parameters. These findings suggest that lichens may serve as valuable bioindicators for evaluating climate and soil change in this region of Africa. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd.
Description
Keywords
bioindicator, biome, climate change, geographical distribution, lichen, soil crust, soil fauna, Namibia
Citation
Journal of Arid Environments
75
2
75
2