Article (Scientific journals)
The limnology and biology of the Dufek Massif, Transantarctic Mountains 82° South
Hodgson, Dominic A; Convey, Pete; Verleyen, Elie et al.
2010In Polar Science, 4, p. 197-214
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Keywords :
Antarctica; Microbial diversity; Inland mountains
Abstract :
[en] Very little is known about the higher latitude inland biology of continental Antarctica. In this paper we describe the limnology and biology of the Dufek Massif, using a range of observational, microscopic and molecular methods. Here two dry valleys are home to some of the southernmost biota on Earth. Cyanobacteria were the dominant life forms, being found in lakes and ponds, in hypersaline brines, summer melt water, relict pond beds and in exposed terrestrial habitats. Their species diversity was the lowest yet observed in Antarctic lakes. Green algae, cercozoa and bacteria were present, but diatoms were absent except for a single valve; likely windblown. Mosses were absent and only one lichen specimen was found. The Metazoa included three microbivorous tardigrades (Acutuncus antarcticus, Diphascon sanae and Echiniscus (cf) pseudowendti) and bdelloid rotifer species, but no arthropods or nematodes. These simple faunal and floral communities are missing most of the elements normally present at lower latitudes in the Antarctic which is probably a result of the very harsh environmental conditions in the area.
Disciplines :
Environmental sciences & ecology
Microbiology
Author, co-author :
Hodgson, Dominic A
Convey, Pete
Verleyen, Elie
Vyverman, Wim
McInnes, Sandra J
Sands, Chester J
Fernandez Carazo, Rafael ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences de la vie > Physiologie et génétique bactériennes
Wilmotte, Annick  ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences de la vie > Physiologie et génétique bactériennes
De Wever, Aaike
Peeters, Karolien
Willems, Anne
Language :
English
Title :
The limnology and biology of the Dufek Massif, Transantarctic Mountains 82° South
Alternative titles :
[fr] La limnologie et la biologie du Massif Dufek, Montagnes Transantarctiques 82° Sud
Publication date :
August 2010
Journal title :
Polar Science
ISSN :
1873-9652
Publisher :
Elsevier
Special issue title :
Antarctic Biology in the 21st Century - Advances in and beyond IPY
Volume :
4
Pages :
197-214
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Name of the research project :
AMBIO (SD/BA/01) and HOLANT (SD/CA/01), and the FNRS Credit 1.5.104.04
Funders :
BELSPO - SPP Politique scientifique - Service Public Fédéral de Programmation Politique scientifique
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since 27 September 2010

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