Full text
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| Author(s): |
Wagner Luiz dos Santos
Total Authors: 1
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| Document type: | Doctoral Thesis |
| Press: | Campinas, SP. |
| Institution: | Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Biologia |
| Defense date: | 2024-02-28 |
| Examining board members: |
Fábio Pinheiro;
David Nicholas McLetchie;
Bárbara Simões Santos Leal;
Wanessa Vieira Silva Menezes Batista;
Maria do Carmo Estanislau do Amaral
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| Advisor: | Kátia Cavalcanti Pôrto; Juçara Bordin; Fábio Pinheiro |
| Abstract | |
The foundation of this thesis encompasses a multiple aspects of exploration of the reproductive biology, distribution, and ecophysiology of various bryophyte species, with a particular emphasis on tropical acrocarpous mosses. In the initial part of this study, our objective was to delve into an array of reproductive traits across different species, offering comprehensive insights into bryophyte reproduction. This section encompassed an examination of sexual expression, reproductive allocation, sex ratios, dependency densities, trade-offs, and reproductive costs. The Chapter 1 highlighted the formation of sporophytes in Weissia jamaicensis (Mitt.) Grout, exposing the associated costs linked to ramet production and shoot survival. Chapter 2 delved into the moss Fissidens flaccidus Mitt., unveiling a profound dependence on male sexual expression. Chapter 3 concerned on the distinct patterns of reproductive allocation within monoicous sexual systems, particularly gonioautoicous, cladautoicous, and rhizautoicous. In Chapter 4, a comprehensive review underscored the critical need for standardization in quantifying reproductive allocation in bryophytes and emphasized the adoption of standardized terminology in future studies. Collectively, these discoveries enrich our understanding of the reproductive biology of tropical acrocarpous mosses and underscore the significance of methodological standardization and terminological consistency in this field of research. The second segment of this thesis delves into the distribution of Fissidens species, scrutinizing the intricate relationship between their sexual systems and functional traits. This part comprises two chapters that elucidate the nexus between sexual systems and bryophyte distribution. Chapter 5 scrutinizes the functional traits of different sexual systems in the Atlantic Forest, revealing noteworthy variations that indicate diverse reproductive strategies, ultimately influencing species adaptation and survival within this ecosystem. Chapter 6 employs species distribution modeling to predict how the sexual systems of Fissidens species are related to suitability and tolerance to the impacts of global warming. The results highlight distinct rates of suitability and tolerance among different sexual systems, suggesting varying capacities for coping with climate change due to global warming. These findings carry implications for the ecology, evolution, conservation, and management of Fissidens species in the face of changing environmental conditions. The third and final section of this thesis is dedicated to ecophysiological studies conducted at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), focusing on Bryum argenteum Hedw, a widely distributed moss species. A comparative analysis was undertaken between genotypes from the Atlantic Forest (a wet forest) and the Caatinga (a dry forest) to discern potential differences. Three chapters encapsulate the key outcomes of this research: Chapter 7 provides field observations on sex expression in B. argenteum, revealing a lower frequency of sex expression in male plants compared to female plants, supporting the "Shy Male" Hypothesis. Chapter 8 elucidates phenological distinctions between male and female genotypes, highlighting differences in phenological development and physiological responses. Chapter 9 investigates the influence of phenophase on desiccation tolerance, emphasizing the significant impact of developmental stages on the moss species' ability to withstand desiccation. These findings advance our comprehension of the ecophysiology and reproductive biology of B. argenteum while shedding light on the potential effects of environmental conditions on its performance in diverse forest ecosystems (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 18/24397-0 - How does sexual systems relates to reproductive traits, genetic diversity and thermotolerance in Fissidens Hedw. (Fissidentaceae, bryopsida)? |
| Grantee: | Wagner Luiz dos Santos |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate |