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Species diversity of vascular plants in alpine vegetation of the Western Carpathian mountains on different spatial scales and its connection to soil pH
Anderlová, Nikoleta ; Sklenář, Petr (advisor) ; Macek, Martin (referee)
Alpine regions are hotspots of species diversity and are therefore at focal center of scientific interest. The research aiming to understand the influences and patterns that shape this unique environment, is complicated by mulitple metodological issues stemming from unclear definitions of used terms as well as the existence of various methodological approaches and their constrains/limitations. The breadth of the topic of species diversity, which can be viewed from multitude of perspectives, is also adding to complications. This work summarizes the most important information in available literature and addresses important correlations and trends in environmental variables and species diversity of alpine meadows in the areas of Malá Fatra, Nízke Tatry, Roháče, and Belianske Tatry. At the center of attention is the widely accepted theory of higher species richness in areas with basic, calcareous substrates compared to areas with acidic, silicate substrates in Europe. To confirm this theory at different spatial scales in alpine environment, hierarchical sampling was chosen. A total of 96 samples containing data on the presence/absence of plants and relevant environmental factors, including pH measurements, were obtained. The structure of these data was visualized using ordination techniques such as PCA...
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Acidophilous cyanobacteria and algae
Macholdová, Markéta ; Nedbalová, Linda (advisor) ; Medová, Hana (referee)
Due to natural processes and human activity extremely acidic habitats, whose pH does not exceed 3.0, are formed on Earth. These are especially areas affected by the acid mine drainage (AMD) and of volcanic activity. The biodiversity of these habitats is greatly reduced, but there are microorganisms that are very well adapted to such extreme conditions. These organisms are termed as acidophilic. Cyanobacteria and algae are the only primary producers at extremely acidic sites and thus play a crucial role in these ecosystems. Although they must overcome several problems that are associated with such an environment (excess of H+ ions, increased concentrations of heavy metals), they developed a range of ecophysiological adaptations and life strategies that allow them to inhabit it. These are mainly the ultrastructural changes in the cell membranes, special metabolic processes and the production of special substances and enzymes. Acidophilic species are present across almost all taxonomic groups of cyanobacteria and algae. Interest in acidophilic organisms has increased in recent decades due to their potential use in biotechnology. Knowledge of their taxonomy, ecology and ecophysiology can also be used in paleobiology and exobiology.
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