Permafrost dynamics structure species compositions of oribatid mite (Acari: Oribatida) communities in sub-Arctic palsa mires

Polar research

Inkeri Markkula¹ 

[1] Section of Biodiversity and Environmental Science, Department of Biology, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, FinlandCorrespondence

关键词: Biodiversity;    community composition;    habitat heterogeneity;    oribatid mites;    palsa mires;    permafrost dynamics.;   

DOI  :  10.3402/polar.v33.22926

学科分类：自然科学（综合）

来源: Co-Action Publishing

【 摘 要 】

Palsa mires are sub-Arctic peatland complexes, vulnerable ecosystems with patches of permafrost. Permafrost thawing in palsa mires occurs throughout Fennoscandia, probably due to local climatic warming. In palsa mires, permafrost thaw alters hydrological conditions, vegetation structure and microhabitat composition with unknown consequences for invertebrate fauna. This study's objectives were to examine the role of microhabitat heterogeneity and the effects of permafrost dynamics and thaw on oribatid mite communities in palsa mires. Oribatid mites were sampled in two palsa mires in Finland and Norway. Three different types of microhabitats were examined: graminoid-dominated wet sites, herb-dominated small hummocks and evergreen shrub-dominated permafrost-underlain palsa hummocks. The results indicate that permafrost dynamics are an important factor structuring oribatid mite communities in palsa mires. The community composition of oribatid mites differed remarkably among microhabitats. Six species were sig...

【 授权许可】

CC BY-NC