Biogeography of photoautotrophs in the high polar biome

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.

Details

Publication status:
Published
Author(s):
Authors: Pointing, Stephen B., Budel, Burkhard, Convey, Peter ORCIDORCID record for Peter Convey, Gillman, Len N., Korner, Christian, Leuzinger, Sebastian, Vincent, Warwick F.

On this site: Peter Convey
Date:
11 September, 2015
Journal/Source:
Frontiers in Plant Science / 6
Page(s):
12pp
Link to published article:
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2015.00692