The Investigation of Microbial Diversity in Lichen and Hairy Cap Moss on Mt. Arabia
The Investigation of Microbial Diversity in Lichen and Hairy Cap Moss on Mt. Arabia
By: Prajoth Pattamatta
Biology 141
Wednesday 2:30-5:30pm
Dr. Steve Baker
November 22, 2011
Abstract The research experiment observed and analyzed the differences in microbial diversity between lichen on bare rocks and hairy cap mosses in the annual community. Samples from three different sites were taken from Mount Arabia in Georgia, and were analyzed in lab. The results from the data collected showed that greater microbial diversity was present in hairy cap moss than in lichen, with a greater percentage of growth for each colony. This could be the result of the mutual symbiotic relationship that bacteria share with hairy cap moss, a greater source of nutrients available for bacteria in hairy cap moss in soil than in lichen on bare rock, or due to the temperature differences between the two sites being sampled.
Introduction
Lichen, or Cladonia sp., is a plant that is made up of algae, bacteria and fungi. Lichen is a composite symbiotic organism that thrives in regions that have extreme temperatures, such as arctic tundra and hot deserts (Pace, 1997). The hairy cap moss species, or Polytrichum commune, is one of the more than 15,000 species of moss present in nature. Hairy cap moss is a medium sized moss that is prevalent in areas that have high levels of humidity. The purpose of this research project was to investigate the differences in microbial diversity between lichen on bare rocks and hairy cap mosses in the annual community. Based on background information, a hypothesis was formed that lichen on bare rocks will have greater microbial diversity compared to that in the hairy cap mosses. From the hypothesis, it was predicted that if lichen on bare rocks has greater microbial diversity than hairy cap mosses in the annual perennial community, then the total number of species, colony types and
By: Prajoth Pattamatta
Biology 141
Wednesday 2:30-5:30pm
Dr. Steve Baker
November 22, 2011
Abstract The research experiment observed and analyzed the differences in microbial diversity between lichen on bare rocks and hairy cap mosses in the annual community. Samples from three different sites were taken from Mount Arabia in Georgia, and were analyzed in lab. The results from the data collected showed that greater microbial diversity was present in hairy cap moss than in lichen, with a greater percentage of growth for each colony. This could be the result of the mutual symbiotic relationship that bacteria share with hairy cap moss, a greater source of nutrients available for bacteria in hairy cap moss in soil than in lichen on bare rock, or due to the temperature differences between the two sites being sampled.
Introduction
Lichen, or Cladonia sp., is a plant that is made up of algae, bacteria and fungi. Lichen is a composite symbiotic organism that thrives in regions that have extreme temperatures, such as arctic tundra and hot deserts (Pace, 1997). The hairy cap moss species, or Polytrichum commune, is one of the more than 15,000 species of moss present in nature. Hairy cap moss is a medium sized moss that is prevalent in areas that have high levels of humidity. The purpose of this research project was to investigate the differences in microbial diversity between lichen on bare rocks and hairy cap mosses in the annual community. Based on background information, a hypothesis was formed that lichen on bare rocks will have greater microbial diversity compared to that in the hairy cap mosses. From the hypothesis, it was predicted that if lichen on bare rocks has greater microbial diversity than hairy cap mosses in the annual perennial community, then the total number of species, colony types and
References: Bates, S.T. and Cropsey, G.W. “Bacterial Communities Associated with the Lichen Symbiosis.” Applied Environmental Microbiology, 2011, vol. 77, Issue 4, pp 1309-1314. Jobaggy, E.G. and Jackson, R.B. “The distribution of soil nutrients with depth: Global patterns and the imprint of plants.” Biogeochemistry, 2001, vol. 53, pp 51-77. Pace, Norman R., “A Molecular View of Microbial Diversity and the Biosphere.” Science 2, May 1997: Vol. 276 no. 5313 pp. 734-740 Pearson, L.C. “Influence of Temperature and Humidity on Distribution of Lichens in a Minnesota Bog.” Journal of Ecology, 1969, vol. 50, pp 740-746. Webley, D.M. and Moira, E.K. “The Microbiology of Rocks and Weathered Stones.” Journal of Soil Science, 1963, vol. 16, pp 102-112. ----------------------- [pic]