Diversity of subaerial algae and cyanobacteria growing on bark and wood in the lowland tropical forests of Singapore
Abstract
We investigated subaerial epixylic algae and cyanobacteria from two Singaporean rainforest localities. We asked whether there are differences in species composition and diversity of samples taken in different areas and in different habitat types.
In addition, we asked whether there are differences in species turnover (beta-diversity) among different habitat types and areas. Statistical analyses involved the non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) of species data.
Significance of differences between groups of samples was evaluated by the non-parametric two-way ANOSIM (Analysis of Similarities) using the crossed design with permutations in blocks. The dominants of the subaerial assemblages differed from corresponding temperate habitats and their alpha-diversity was considerably higher.
High beta-diversity of decaying wood illustrates general importance of this substrate for biodiversity of subaerial algae in the tropics.