Moss community types and species diversity of southern Fildes peninsula (king George island, south shetland islands) antarctica

摘要

The moss communities of the southern Fildes Peninsula region (including Ardley Island) of King George Island, South Shetland Islands, are classified and described, based on species composition, physiognomy and structure, and ecological factors. Two principal moss-dominated formations class, Antarctic moss tundra and Antarctic moss swamp, are recognised. Within the Antarctic moss tundra, eight formations are recognised with 18 associations defined. Within the Antarctic moss swamp two formations and two associations are recognised. The development and distribution of these communities is determined by water supply and stability of the substrate. The characteristics of the communities are discussed and species richness, evenness and diversity determined.