Colonization by mites of glacier-free areas in King George Island, Antarctica

Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira

Grzegorz Gryziak¹ 

[1] ,Polish Academy of Sciences Centre for Ecological Research Department of Antarctic Biology,Poland

关键词: oribatid mites;    global change;    glacier melting;    ácaros oribatídeos;    mudança global;    derretimento das geleiras;   

DOI  :  10.1590/S0100-204X2009000800013

来源: SciELO

【 摘 要 】

This work aimed to investigate the ratio of colonization by terrestrial mites on ice-free areas created by the ongoing climate-induced melting of Antarctic glaciers. Glacier retreat opens new ice-free areas for the colonization by vegetation and animals. The study was undertaken on the Antarctic Specially Protected Area no. 128 (West Coast of the Admiralty Bay, King George Island, South Shetlands Islands). Transects marked between the Ecology, Baranowski and Windy Glaciers, and a sea shore were used to collect soil samples. Oribatid mites were found only on near-shore areas, on patches of vegetation of more than 30 years of age. The colonization by mite communities is strongly determined by the presence of plants.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
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