Biogeography of photoautotrophs in the high polar biome

Pointing, Stephen B.; Budel, Burkhard; Convey, Peter ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8497-9903; Gillman, Len N.; Korner, Christian; Leuzinger, Sebastian; Vincent, Warwick F.. 2015 Biogeography of photoautotrophs in the high polar biome. Frontiers in Plant Science, 6, 692. 12, pp. 10.3389/fpls.2015.00692

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Abstract/Summary

The global latitudinal gradient in biodiversity weakens in the high polar biome and so an alternative explanation for distribution of Arctic and Antarctic photoautotrophs is required. Here we identify how temporal, microclimate and evolutionary drivers of biogeography are important, rather than the macroclimate features that drive plant diversity patterns elsewhere. High polar ecosystems are biologically unique, with a more central role for bryophytes, lichens and microbial photoautotrophs over that of vascular plants. Constraints on vascular plants arise mainly due to stature and ontogenetic barriers. Conversely non-vascular plant and microbial photoautotroph distribution is correlated with favourable microclimates and the capacity for poikilohydric dormancy. Contemporary distribution also depends on evolutionary history, with adaptive and dispersal traits as well as legacy influencing biogeography. We highlight the relevance of these findings to predicting future impacts on polar plant diversity and to the current status of plants in Arctic and Antarctic conservation policy frameworks.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.3389/fpls.2015.00692
Programmes:	BAS Programmes > BAS Programmes 2015 > Biodiversity, Evolution and Adaptation
ISSN:	1664-462X
Additional Keywords:	Antarctic, Arctic, bryophytes, cryptogams, cyanobacteria, lichen, plant biogeography
NORA Subject Terms:	Botany
Date made live:	28 Aug 2015 08:55 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/508938

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

10.3389/fpls.2015.00692

Programmes:

BAS Programmes > BAS Programmes 2015 > Biodiversity, Evolution and Adaptation

ISSN:

1664-462X

Additional Keywords:

Antarctic, Arctic, bryophytes, cryptogams, cyanobacteria, lichen, plant biogeography

NORA Subject Terms:

Botany