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Biogeomorphic Aspects of Lichen Colonisation in Part of Western Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica

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Biogeomorphic Aspects of Lichen Colonisation in Part of Western Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica Biogeomorphic aspects of lichen colonisation in part of western Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica. A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of MA S TE R OF SCIENCE of RHODES UN IVERSITY by Ga b r ie l l e A l e x z e n a Ay r e s Supervisor: Professor Ian Meiklejohn December 2016 ABSTRACT Ice-free regions in Antarctica provide natural laboratories for investigating and modelling change in landscapes and ecosystems. The terrestrial ecosystems in western Dronning Maud Land are potentially critical to improve current understanding of polar ecosystems, however, they remain poorly represented and under-protected. Lichen habitats were used to elucidate geomorphic-biological feedbacks that shape the landscape’s topography and biodiversity, which in turn promote environmental heterogeneity. Environmental parameters acting on two landforms were measured to determine the colonisation and growth of lichens in niche habitats. The habitats were identified and characterised, and topographic heterogeneity was found to control lichen colonisation. Micro-topographical niches provide the most stable environments for colonisation, and are preferred habitats. Lichen-habitat interactions were species specific, and closely related to insolation and moisture availability. The bidirectional relationships between rock weathering and lichen colonisation was ascertained. Results showed that lichens are good indicators of landform heterogeneity, but also promote landform heterogeneity. Given the habitat preferences of specific lichen species, they provide proxy to evaluating environmental responses, especially environmental change. The findings of this research are to be used as baseline data for future studies exploring ecosystem development in emerging landforms. Keywords: lichens, heterogeneity, micro-topography, western Dronning Maud Land i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Firstly, I would like to extend my gratitude to my supervisor, Professor Ian Meiklejohn, for providing me a unique platform to develop both my professional skillset and my personal character. Ian, you always went out of your way to give me the best opportunities, and for this, I thank you. The National Research Foundation (NRF) is thanked for funding me during the course of my M.Sc., as is Rhodes University for awarding me the Ian MacKenzie Scholarship in 2016. The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), and Starlite Aviation are thanked for logistical support and assistance in the field during 2014/15 and 2015/16, which made this project possible. For the memories in the field (that only we can comprehend), and the shared experience of a lifetime, I express my appreciation to Christel Hansen, Camilla Kotze, Jessica Rosenfels, Liezel Rudolph and Karin Staebe. It was tough, but absolutely worth it! To the other friends who helped me along the way, your support does not go unnoticed. Thank you. The Geography Department, Geology Department and Microscopy Unit at Rhodes University are thanked for their assistance and use of equipment during the course of the project. Special thanks goes to Sieglinde Ott for her interest and guidance in my research, and to Katherine Couzyn for proofreading this dissertation. To the many other contributors, I gratefully acknowledge your input. Dad and Mum, all that I am or hope to be, is due to your support, love and sacrifice. You both deserve the biggest of thanks. To my big brother Devin, I look up to you and hope I can make you proud. To my little sister, Kayla Jane, do the unexpected and chase the magic. I love you all dearly, and dedicate this thesis to you. Finally, Antarctica. I have fulfilled a dream of mine that I never knew I had. Every day I am reminded to push my limits, question my priorities, and never leave those I love - or those who love me - behind. ii TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract .................................................................................................................................................. i Acknowledgements.............................................................................................................................ii Table of Contents............................................................................................................................... iii List of Figures......................................................................................................................................vi List of Tables.......................................................................................................................................ix List of Abbreviations........................................................................................................................... x Chapter 1: Introduction......................................................................................................................1 Background.......................................................................................................................................1 Rationale and Purpose..................................................................................................................2 Aim and Objectives .........................................................................................................................4 Dissertation Structure .................................................................................................................... 5 Chapter 2: Literature Review........................................................................................................... 6 Understanding Lichens..................................................................................................................6 Mutualistic Relationship............................................................................................................. 6 Growth and Anatomy..................................................................................................................7 Reproduction and Dispersion................................................................................................... 8 Antarctic Vegetation........................................................................................................................9 History of Lichen Investigations in the Antarctic...................................................................... 10 Lichens in the Antarctic Environment........................................................................................ 19 Environmental Influences.............................................................................................................19 Nutrients and soils.................................................................................................................... 20 Active layer and permafrost.................................................................................................... 20 Temperature and water availability........................................................................................21 Ultraviolet radiation and climate change...............................................................................22 Conservation of Lichens...............................................................................................................23 Chapter 3: Setting and Study Sites...............................................................................................24 Vesleskarvet (S71° 39.99' W2° 51.00')......................................................................................26 iii Robertskollen (S71° 29.21' W3° 12.66')................................................................................... 27 Chapter 4: Habitat Heterogeneity.................................................................................................29 Introduction.................................................................................................................................... 29 Methods and Materials .................................................................................................................30 Data Collection..........................................................................................................................31 Data Analysis............................................................................................................................ 34 Results and Discussion of Findings........................................................................................... 35 Shannon Diversity Index.......................................................................................................... 36 Chapter 5: Habitat Morphology and Characteristics.................................................................. 40 Introduction.................................................................................................................................... 40 Methods and Materials.................................................................................................................41 Microtopography........................................................................................................................41 Data Analysis............................................................................................................................ 46 Results and Discussion................................................................................................................49 Environmental Influences........................................................................................................49
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