Calcosaxicolous mosses (Bryophyta) of Puting Bato Caves 3-4 and 5 in Burdeos, Polillo Island (Luzon: Philippines)

Date

8-2014

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Major Course

Major in Ecology Genetics

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Ivy Amor F. Lambio

Abstract

Karst landscapes are generally regarded as haven of biodiversity both in the aboveground and cave habitat which are threatened by anthropogenic activities such as deforestation alongside with the unique flora and fauna that thrive in it. There is a lack of floral studies in karst landscapes in the Philippines and the aboveground habitat is understudied; hence, the significance of the research. The study aimed to evaluate the richness of calcosaxicolous bryoflora thriving in the entrances and vicinities of Puting Bato Cave 3-4 and 5 during the dry and wet season as well as to assess the effects of habitat factors namely stems density, light intensity, and relative humidity on the seasonal and spatial distribution of these taxa. Calcosaxicolous bryoflora were collected in the entrances and vicinities (~10 m) of the caves. Forest cover was assessed using the Point Center Quarter Method (dbh > 3 cm). Quantitative determination of light intensity, and relative humidity was undertaken. A total of 19 calcosaxicolous moss species belonging to 10 genera and 7 families were recorded, including nine (9) species with new distribution records for the island of Polillo. Seasonal variation of each site and microhabitat is generally low. However, spatial variation between sites and microhabitats is high as attributed to the different responses to calcosaxicolous moss species to stem density, relative humidity, and light intensity which further lead to variations in species composition between sites and microhabitats as evidenced by the results of the Principal Components Analysis and Canonical Correspondence Analysis at p<0.01. From the obtained results, it is implied that changes in the microclimate of cave entrances and vicinities highly affects its species composition. Further, it is implied that deforestation and unsustainable utilization of the entrances and vicinities of caves may result to a decrease in richness of calcosaxicolous bryoflora which may later be regarded as indicative of disturbance of the area.

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2014 B4 /L64

Document Type

Thesis

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