Invertebrates associated with moss communities at Canada Glacier, southern Victoria Land, Antarctica (original) (raw)

Abstract

The invertebrate faunal composition of moss-dominated flushes near the Canada Glacier was, as in similar habitats in continental Antarctic regions, numerically dominated by protozoa, rotifers, nematodes and tardigrades. Mites were of lesser abundance. Although collembola occur in the Taylor Valley, none were found at the study site. The finding of a catenulid flatworm is significant as microturbellarians have only rarely been recorded from Antarctica. Nematode, tardigrade and rotifer densities recorded were comparable to those in other Antarctic regions. These groups were found at a mean depth ranging from 5 to 10.83 mm in the moss. A greater percentage of all groups were in the upper 5 mm of moss cores in post-melt samples than in pre-melt samples.

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Authors and Affiliations

1. NIWAR, Freshwater, P.O. Box 8602, Riccarton, Christchurch, New Zealand
   A. -M. J. Schwarz
2. Biological Sciences, University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, New Zealand
   J. D. Green & T. G. A. Green
3. Antarctic Division, Channel Highway, 7050, Kingston, Tasmania, Australia
   R. D. Seppelt

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1. A. -M. J. Schwarz
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2. J. D. Green
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3. T. G. A. Green
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4. R. D. Seppelt
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Schwarz, A.M.J., Green, J.D., Green, T.G.A. et al. Invertebrates associated with moss communities at Canada Glacier, southern Victoria Land, Antarctica.Polar Biol 13, 157–162 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00238925

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• Received: 17 February 1992
• Accepted: 14 September 1992
• Issue Date: April 1993
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00238925

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