BOKU - Universität für Bodenkultur Wien - Forschungsinformationssystem
Gewählte Publikation:
Bauer, R., Christian, E..
(1993):
Adaptations of three collembolan species to granite boulder habitats
Pedobiologia, 37, 280-290
- Abstract:
- 1) Small spots of low vegetation on granite boulders in northern Austria are inhabited by a characteristic collembolan coenosis. Ecophysiological properties of three frequent boulder-dwelling springtail species (representing two different life forms) were tested in field and laboratory experiments and related to the specific life habits. (2) The euedaphic Onychiurus armatus lives exclusively in climatically stable plant cushions typically connected to the surrounding soil by moss strips. This habitat preference reveals the strict requirement of this species for moisture, its modest supercooling ability, and an aversion to crossing bare rock. (3) Pseudisotoma sensibilis and Xenylla boerneri are corticophilous springtails of hemiedaphic life form. Ps. sensibilis prefers cushions not far above the ground and frequently migrates between rock and soil. X. boerneri, the dominant species in the climatically unstable cushions on top of boulders, is also able to cross dry rock surfaces; it can, however, survive harsh periods in these cushions due to its pronounced drought resistance and the cold hardiness of the majority of the population during winter.
- Autor*innen der BOKU Wien:
- Christian Erhard
- Find related publications in this database (Keywords)
- LIFE FORMS
- COLLEMBOLA
- DROUGHT RESISTANCE
- SUPERCOOLING TEMPERATURE
- GRANITE BOULDERS
- DISPERSION
- AUSTRIA