Conservation of plant biodiversity in Antarctica - a genetic approach
Entry ID:
ASAC_2152
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Summary
Abstract:
Samples from Macquarie Island were collected between 1998 and 1999. Samples from Heard Island were collected during 2000. Terrestrial vegetation in Antarctica is restricted to isolated populations of mosses, lichens and algae, with a few higher plants on subantarctic islands. Little is known of the biodiversity, origins or dispersal of these plants, and current conservation measures are based ... mainly on their local abundance.
Further data for Macquarie Island and Casey station between 2000 and 2007 were added in 2007.
Accession numbers for samples collected in the Prince Charles Mountains were added in 2012.
This project will investigate:
(1) the extent of genetic diversity in Antarctic and subantarctic plant populations, especially mosses,
(2) the probable origins and colonisation history of these plants,
(3) the effect of increased UV-B irradiation on genetic variability in mosses, and
(4) the utility of molecular taxonomy techniques for identification of Antarctic organisms.
This will provide a sound basis for development of practical conservation strategies, and baseline information from which to monitor effects of human impacts and climate change on the fragile ecosystems.
The downloadable data contain a list of locations from which the specimens were collected as well as Genbank sequence and accession numbers. Note that not all of the samples may be publicly accessible in Genbank as yet (as of May 2007).
The samples were kept frozen at -20 degrees Celsius.
This project is also related to ASAC projects 1041 and 2153 (ASAC_1041 and ASAC_2153).
Samples collected for this project were also used in ASAC project 2545 (ASAC_2545).
The fields in this dataset are:
Species
Collection
Site
Genbank Number
Collection Number
Comments
Project objectives: The project objectives, as stated in the project application round 2008/09, appear below:
The main aim of this project is to apply techniques of molecular genetics to investigations of plant biodiversity and responses to environmental change in Antarctica. The project has been very successful so far, with well over 20 publications, and will continue to concentrate on four main areas:
i) moss diversity, dispersal, and evolution in Antarctica and subantarctic islands,
ii) higher plant diversity, origins and dispersal on subantarctic islands,
iii) plant adaptation and genetic responses to climate change in Antarctica, and
iv) molecular taxonomy to assist rapid identification of Antarctic species, especially mosses, as there is now a significant database of gene sequences available for comparative analysis.
This project has been funded previously, and has been very productive so far. Therefore we are applying for a renewal of the project for a further three years, to complete the research already under way, and to finalise and submit additional manuscripts for publication, in order to obtain maximum benefit from the research already initiated and results already obtained.
The overall objectives have not been changed, except to include utilisation of our excellent database of DNA sequence information for further research. Now that the initial stages of this project are complete, with over twenty papers published in recognised international journals on the genetic diversity of Antarctic plants, we have started to build on this sound framework by investigating DNA sequences of individual genes and by analysis of plant adaptation to environmental change.
This project will provide information on several species of moss in different habitats and at different latitudes that will be important to international programs investigating adaptation to environmental change in the Antarctic. Similar techniques will also be used, as appropriate, to investigate other Antarctic and subantarctic organisms (especially, but not exclusively, plants) in collaboration with other Antarctic research scientists.
Specifically, the objectives for the next few years are:
1. To continue to assess the extent of genetic diversity within and between moss
populations in different regions of continental Antarctica. This will provide information on the level of biodiversity in these terrestrial Antarctic plants, which is required for (a) development of effective conservation and management strategies, and (b) minimisation of human impacts and (c) understanding responses and adaptation to climate change.
2. To continue to investigate the origins and mechanisms of dispersal of Antarctic and subantarctic mosses. This will assist in determining (a) the moss colonisation history of Antarctica, (b) which populations are most in need of protection, and (c) likely sources of colonisation on newly exposed ground e.g. with glacial retreat.
3. To provide systematic baseline data from which to assess and predict changes in Antarctic vegetation dynamics due to human impacts and climate change. This objective will include assessment of the natural rates of somatic mutation in Antarctic mosses, both in the past, by analysis of long shoots 50 years old (or more), and in the present by analysis of current growth which is already exposed to increased UV-B irradiation. The fascinating and exciting possibility of analysing mutational history within living plants (without killing the plant) is probably an opportunity uniquely available in Antarctic mosses, due to their unusual combination of genetic, physiological and environmental characteristics.
4. To build on research already done in this project, to test the hypothesis (based on results obtained) that moss genetic variation is greater in the Australian Antarctic Territory and subantarctic islands than in the Ross Sea region, and to investigate whether this is correlated with latitude and climate change (especially increased UV-B irradiation).
5. To use similar genetic techniques to (a) assess levels of genetic variability, (b) analyse genetic responses to climate change and (c) assist in resolving taxonomic uncertainties in a range of Antarctic and subantarctic plants, including algae and higher plants. Some of these have already been collected, some have been sequenced for individual genes, and/or subjected to RAPD population analysis, and others will be collected if necessary to supplement existing collections during future expeditions.
Taken from the 2008-2009 Progress Report:
Progress against objectives:
Good progress has been made with this project. Analysis of DNA sequencing results for both mosses and higher plants has continued this year. Several papers are nearing completion on these results. These results and publications are in line with the objectives of the project.
Taken from the 2009-2010 Progress Report:
Progress against objectives:
Good progress has again been made with the project this season, with the main focus continuing towards completion of publications.
We have continued to analyse moss DNA sequence data for many different Antarctic and subantarctic moss samples, and are using this information for taxonomic and phylogenetic comparisons.
We have published new records of moss species on Heard Island, and new mosses recorded in the Vestfold Hills and Prince Charles Mountains are being prepared for publication.
We are continuing to analyse the ITS gene sequences from subantarctic higher plants such as several grass species, to determine their dispersal patterns.
We are also using DNA sequence information to analyse the extent of genetic diversity within moss species, and to compare populations from different Antarctic locations. 
Related URL
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Description:
Download point for the data
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Geographic Coverage
(Click for Interactive Map)
Spatial coordinates
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1.
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N: -52.6
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S: -53.1
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E: 73.4
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W: 73.1
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(View on interactive map)
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Min Altitude:
0 FEET
Max Altitude:
500 FEET
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Min Depth:
0 M
Max Depth:
0.5 M
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Data Set Citation
Dataset Originator/Creator:
Skotnicki, Mary and Selkirk, Patricia
Temporal Coverage
Start Date:
2000-10-19
Stop Date:
2000-11-10
Start Date:
1999-11-01
Stop Date:
2004-03-31
Start Date:
2006-03-01
Stop Date:
2006-04-05
Start Date:
2007-04-10
Stop Date:
2007-04-17
Start Date:
2008-09-30
Stop Date:
2009-03-31
Start Date:
2009-12-01
Stop Date:
2010-01-31
Quality
Very small plant samples collected. The spatial quality of the dataset is poor. Site locations are poorly described, and would be difficult to replicate.
Dates provided in temporal coverage are approximate only.
Taken from the 2008-2009 Progress Report:
Field work:
Dr Mary Skotnicki and Dr Jennie Whinam visited ASPA 135 NE Bailey Peninsula, to ... remeasure moss growth pins, and sampled mosses in the area for genetic investigations. They also remeasured moss recolonisation in a small previously disturbed area in ASPA 136 Clark Peninsula, and searched for mosses colonising the moraines in the vicinity of Casey. Permission was also obtained to install 20 small steel marker pins to monitor regrowth of mosses in the disturbed site in ASPA 136 at Wilkes; the site will be monitored over the next few years to analyse the rate of recolonisation.
The possibility of flying to and from Casey was very much appreciated, as this enabled all Casey vicinity fieldwork to be completed (including transport to and from Casey) in just under a week - compared with several weeks or more required to travel by ship on a resupply voyage.
Dr Mary Skotnicki sampled moss colonies near Ellis Rapids and Lake Nicholson in the Vestfold Hills, for genetic analysis. We very much appreciated helicopter support which enabled this fieldwork to be completed in the short time available, and the possibility of searching for mosses at new sites.
Fieldwork on Macquarie Island was very successful, during the short time available during resupply voyage 5. Dr M. Skotnicki revisited sites near Pyramd Peak, Green Gorge, Red River, Prion Lake, Bauer Bay, Island Lake, Scoble Lake and Razorback to reassess ecosystems, to collect specimens for genetic analysis, and to monitor rabbit damage as part of a long-term analysis of vegetation responses.
Fieldwork was in line with the aims and timeframe of the project. All samples were obtained in accordance with permit requirements, and impacts on the plants and their habitats were minimal and transitory.
Laboratory activity/analysis:
We have continued to analyse moss DNA sequence data for many different Antarctic and subantarctic moss samples, and are using this information for taxonomic and phylogenetic comparisons.
We have used genetic analysis to identify unusual or rare moss specimens from Heard Island and from isolated locations in the Vestfold Hills and Prince Charles Mountains, and have compared these with moss specimens from elsewhere in Antarctica.
We are continuing to analyse the ITS gene sequences from subantarctic higher plants such as several grass species and Macquarie Island orchid populations, to determine their dispersal patterns.
We are also using DNA sequence information to analyse the extent of genetic diversity within moss species, and to compare populations from different Antarctic locations.
Difficulties affecting project:
Progress with experimental work was temporarily slowed this year by ensuring compliance with new AQIS regulations, as specimens in previously acceptable storage facilities had to be relocated again.
Taken from the 2009-2010 Progress Report:
Field work:
Fieldwork on Macquarie Island was successful during six weeks in summer from December 2009 - January 2010. Dr A. Skotnicki, accompanied by Mr M. Duering, visited sites near Waterfall Bay, Pyramid Peak, Green Gorge, Red River, Bauer Bay, Island Lake, Scoble Lake, Razorback and Handspike Corner to reassess ecosystems, to monitor rabbit damage as part of a long-term analysis of vegetation responses.
Fieldwork was in line with the aims and timeframe of the project, and in accordance with permit requirements. Impacts on the plants and their habitats were minimal and transitory.
Laboratory activity/analysis:
We have continued to analyse moss DNA sequence data for many different Antarctic and subantarctic moss samples, and are using this information for taxonomic and phylogenetic comparisons.
We have used genetic analysis to identify unusual or rare moss specimens from Heard Island and from isolated locations in the Vestfold Hills and Prince Charles Mountains, and have compared these with moss specimens from elsewhere in Antarctica.
We are continuing to analyse the ITS gene sequences from subantarctic higher plants such as several grass species and Macquarie Island orchid populations, to determine their dispersal patterns.
We are also using DNA sequence information to analyse the extent of genetic diversity within moss species, and to compare populations from different Antarctic locations.
Access Constraints
The data are available for download from the url given below.
Data Set Progress
IN WORK
Distribution
Distribution Media:
HTTP
Distribution Size:
80 KB
Distribution Format:
excel
Fees:
Free
Personnel
Role:
TECHNICAL CONTACT
Role:
DIF AUTHOR
Role:
INVESTIGATOR
Phone:
+61 2 6257 0501
Email:
mary.skotnicki at anu.edu.au
Email:
skotnicki at actewagl.net.au
Contact Address:
Research School of Biological Sciences
Australia National University
PO Box 475
City:
Canberra
Province or State:
ACT
Postal Code:
2601
Country:
Australia
Publications/References
Bradner J.R., Sidhu R.K., Yee B., Skotnicki M.L., Selkirk P.M., Nevalainen K.M.H. (2000), A new microfungal isolate, Embellisia sp., associated with the Antarctic moss Bryum argenteum, Polar Biology, 23, 730-732
Skotnicki M.L., Ninham J.A., Selkirk P.M. (2000), Genetic diversity, mutagenesis and dispersal of Antarctic mosses - a review of progress with molecular studies, Antarctic Science, 12, 363-373
Adam K. D., Selkirk P. M., Connett M. B., Walsh S. M. (1997), Genetic variation in populations of the moss Bryum argenteum in East Antarctica, Antarctic Communities: Species, Structure and Survival 34-38, 34-38
Battaglia B., Valencia J., Walton D. W. H. (Unknown), Antarctic Communities: Species, Structure and Survival, 34-38
Skotnicki M. L., Selkirk P. M., Broady P., Adam K. D., Ninham J. A. (2001), Dispersal of the moss Campylopus pyriformis on geothermal ground near the summits of Mount Erebus and Mount Melbourne, Victoria Land, Antarctica Antarctic Science, 13, 3, 280-285
Skotnicki M.L., Bargagli R., Ninham J.A. (2002), Genetic diversity in the moss Pohlia nutans on geothermal ground of Mount Rittmann, Victoria Land, Antarctica., Polar Biology, 25, 771-777
Skotnicki M.L., Selkirk P.M., Ninham J.A. (1998), RAPD analysis of genetic variation and dispersal of the moss Bryum pseudotriquetrum from Southern Victoria Land, Antarctica., Polar Biology, 20, 121-126
Selkirk P.M., Skotnicki M.L., Ninham J.A., Connett M.B., Armstrong J. (1998), Genetic variation and dispersal of Bryum argenteum and Hennediella heimii populations in the Garwood Valley, Southern Victoria Land, Antarctica., Antarctic Science, 10, 4, 423-430
Dale T.M., Skotnicki M.L., Adam K.D., Selkirk P.M. (1999), Genetic diversity in the moss Hennediella heimii in Miers Valley, southern Victoria Land, Antarctica., Polar Biology, 21, 228-233
Skotnicki M.L., Ninham J.A., Selkirk P.M. (1999), Genetic diversity and dispersal of the moss Sarconeurum glaciale on Ross Island, East Antarctica., Molecular Ecology, 8, 753-762
Skotnicki M.L., Selkirk P.M., Ninham J.A. (2000), Genetic diversity, colonisation and dispersal of mosses in the Ross Sea Region of Antarctica., Antarctic Ecosystems: Models for Wider Ecological Understanding, 26-32
Davison W., Howard-Williams C., Broady P. (Unknown), Unknown, Antarctic Ecosystems: Models for Wider Ecological Understanding, 26-32
Skotnicki M.L., Selkirk P.M., Ninham J.A. (1999), RAPD analysis of genetic variation and dispersal of the moss Bryum argenteum in Ross Island and Victoria Land, Antarctica., Polar Biology, 21, 417-422
Bargagli R., Skotnicki M.L., Marri L., Pepi M., Mackenzie A., Agnorelli C. (2004), New record of moss and thermophilic bacteria species and physico-chemical properties of geothermal soils on the northwest slope of Mt. Melbourne (Antarctica)., Polar Biology, 27, 423-431
Skotnicki M.L., Mackenzie A.M., Ninham J.A., Selkirk P.M. (2004), High levels of genetic variability in the moss Ceratodon purpureus from continental Antarctica, subantarctic Heard and Macquarie Islands, and Australasia., Polar Biology Online 1st., doi:10.1007/s00300-004-0640-2
Frenot Y., Chown S.L., Whinam J., Selkirk M., Convey P., Skotnicki M., Bergstrom D. (2005), Biological invasions in the Antarctic: extent, impacts and implications., Biological Reviews, 80, 45-72
Skotnicki M.L., Mackenzie A.M., Clements M.A., Selkirk P.M. (2005), DNA sequencing and genetic diversity of the 18S-26S nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (ITS) in nine Antarctic moss species Antarctic Science, 3, 17, 377-384
Skotnicki M.L., Mackenzie A., Selkirk P.M. (2004), Mosses surviving on the edge: Origins, genetic diversity, and mutation in Antarctica., Molecular Systematics of Bryophytes
Goffinet B., Hollowell V., Magill R (Unknown), Monographs in Systematic Botany from the Missouri Botanical Garden, 98
Clements M.A., Mackenzie A.M., Copson G.R., Molloy B.P.J., Carmichael N., Skotnicki M.L., Selkirk P.M. (2007), Biology and molecular phylogenetics of Nematoceras sulcatum, a second endemic orchid species from subantarctic Macquarie Island, Polar Biology, 30, 7, 859-869
Skotnicki M.L., Selkirk P.M. (2006), Plant biodiversity in an extreme environment: Genetic studies of origins, diversity and evolution in the Antarctic Bergstrom
Bergstrom D.M., Convey P., Huiskes A.H.L. (Unknown), Trends in Antarctic Terrestrial and Limnetic Ecosystems: Antarctica as a Global Indicator, 159-173
Selkirk P.M., Skotnicki M.L. (2007), Measurement of moss growth in continental Antarctica, Polar Biology, 30, 4, 407-413
Skotnicki M.L., Ninham J.A., Selkirk P.M. (1998), High levels of RAPD diversity in the moss Bryum argenteum in Australia, New Zealand and Antarctica., The Bryologist, 101, 412-421
Briggs C.L., Selkirk P.M., Bergstrom D.M. (2006), Facing the furious fifties: the contractile stem of the subantarctic megaherb Pleurophyllum hookeri., New Zealand Journal of Botany, 44, 187-197
Skotnicki M.L., Selkirk P.M., Beard C. (1997), RAPD profiling of genetic diversity in two populations of the moss Ceratodon purpureus in Victoria Land, Antarctica, Polar Biology, 19, 172-176
Skotnicki M.L., Ninham J.A., Selkirk P.M. (1998), Genetic relationships between populations of Bryum argenteum from Australia, New Zealand and Antarctica., The Bryologist, 101, 412-421
Seppelt R.D., Green T.G.A., Skotnicki M. (1999), Notes on the flora, vertebrate fauna and biological significance of Beaufort Island, Ross Sea, Antarctica, Polarforschung, 66, 1/2, 53-59
Skotnicki M.L., Copson G.R., Doube J., Gadd L., Selkirk-Bell J.M., Selkirk P.M. (2009), Biology and population studies of two endemic Nematocera (orchid) species on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island, the Royal Society of Tasmania, 143, 2, 61-71
Creation and Review Dates
DIF Creation Date:
2000-08-11
Last DIF Revision Date:
2012-04-10
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