Poster: Algal Ecology and Population Biology

Abs # P04009: Bryophytic algal communites from Nu'uanu Pali, O'ahu, (Hawai'i, U.S.A.)

Presenter:	Ress, Jennifer       Contact Presenter
Authors	Ress, Jennifer  (A)   Lowe, Rex  (A)   Waite, Mashuri  (B)
Affiliations:	(A): Bowling Green State University (B): University of Hawai'i at Mānoa

A diverse bryophyte flora inhabits the exposed rocks on Nu'uanu Pali, on Ko'olau Mountain, in southeastern O'ahu (Hawai'i, U.S.A.). The structures of bryophytes are known to provide habitat for algal communities and are important in aerial habitats, such as that of Nu'uanu Pali, due to the ability of bryophytes to retain moisture which can be used by their algal associates. We predicted that different bryophyte species would support distinct algal communities due to the variability of microhabitats among bryophyte species. Differing bryophyte morphologies will influence their ability to retain moisture which will ultimately influence the algal community composition. Twenty-eight samples were collected from Nu'uanu Pali in February and March, 2008. Physical and chemical factors, including aspect, moisture levels, light levels, and pH were measured at each sampling location. Bryophytes and associated algal communities were identified and relative biovolumes were calculated for algal species within each community. Patterns were explored via non-metric multidimensional scaling and analysis of similarities on a Bray-Curtis similarity matrix. The analysis demonstrated an association between bryophyte species and aspect, north versus south, with algal community composition. This is most likely due to the relationship between sun exposure and moisture loss from the bryophytes and associated algal communities.