Abstract Detail

Bryophytes and Lichens on the Edges of Changing Ecosystems

Bryophytes and Lichens on the Edges of Changing Ecosystems.

In many parts of the world, changing climate conditions are accelerating ecosystem changes. With these changes come new challenges in monitoring shifts in species compositions, how this impacts ecosystem functions, and potentially creating novel extreme environments . Bryophytes and lichens inhabit various extreme environments, are key components of biological crusts, function in nutrient cycling, and are often overlooked as important factors of species biodiversity. More importantly, these organisms may hold clues about how plants and fungi adapt to rapidly changing habitat conditions, whether it's species-level associations that optimize nutrient cycling through the soil microbiome or genomic roadmaps that provide paths leading to a better understanding of the underlying framework for dealing with surplus carbon in the atmosphere. In addition, we are learning that the taxonomic diversity is much greater than previously accepted as new taxa are being described with increased explorations of existing herbarium collections and in unique habitats across the globe. Given the potential wealth of information that bryophytes and lichens offer, it's critical that we not only identify and study them, but also conserve these valuable biological resources. Who better to take on this challenge than the next generation of bryologists and lichenologists. This colloquium brings together four bryologists and four lichenologist to share their respective research. Two of the presentations will be from invited, early career scientists working at the leading edge of their respective fields of study. Each of these thirty-minute presentations will be followed by three subsequent fifteen minute presentations that showcase exploratory and innovative research in bryology and lichenology with the primary goal of providing opportunities for early career scientists to present their research and network with others in bryology and lichenology.

1 - Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, 800 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222.0, United States

Keywords:
none specified

Presentation Type: Colloquium Presentations
Number: C7SUM
Abstract ID:1259
Candidate for Awards:None