March 15, 2012
Peat-lands host a wide range of various species and life forms. Plants are the most obvious form of life because they provide the structural groundwork, which are the source of organic compounds resulting from photosynthesis for the nourishment of microorganisms and animals. The peat type and quality of organic matter are unquestionably the most important features influencing rates of diversity, biomass growth and decomposition. Today we are going to look at the diversity of life in peat-lands which includes fungi and microorganisms, protozoans, algae, lichen, plants.
Fungi & Microorganisms: heterotrophic microorganisms are microbes that obtain energy from degradation of organic material and involves mostly of fungi and bacteria.
Protozoan: ciliates and rhizopods are both important peat-lands groups. Rhizopods (testate amoebae) are the most common and have well-defined ecological preferences such as mineral concentrations and water table depths.
Algae: peat-lands are rich in microalgae and their diversity seems to be related to the rich-poor incline in much the same way as vascular plants.
Lichen: some have an outstanding ability to endure desiccation and are usually found on tree trunks, rocks and other exposed habitats.
Plants: in peat-land ecology, bryophytes that can be found in these areas are peat mosses, brown mosses, liverworts and feather mosses. When discussing graminoids which include grasses and other groups that have a grass-like morphology that consists of cotton grasses and sedges. Herbs can be found in peat-lands occasionally. A common bog shrub that can be found in peat-lands is the northern dwarf birch species. Many tree species overlap when upland locations connect with peat-lands, adding diversity to these areas.
*Next Blog will pertain to animals found in peat-lands!
* Bibliography: Rydin, H., & Jeglum, J. (2006). The Biology of Peatlands. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
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