3.6 Cryptoendolithic Lichen and Cyanobacterial Communities of the Ross Desert, Antarctica

1988/01/01 by E. Imre Friedmann, Friedmann, E. I., Hua, M. +2 · 1 citation
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Environmental Science · #Invertebrate Taxonomy and Ecology #Lichen and fungal ecology #Polar Research and Ecology #Science

paper · doi:10.2312/polarforschung.58.2-3.251

openalex publication_date 1988/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/01

Abstract

Cryptoendolithic microbial communities in the Ross Desert (McMurdo Dry Valleys) are characterized on the basis of photosynthetic microorganisms and fungi. Two eukaryotic communities (the lichen-dominated and Hemichloris communities) and three cyanobacterial communities (the red Gloeocapsa, Hormathonema-Gloeocapsa, and Chroococcidiopsis communities) are described. Eleven coccoid, one pleurocapsoid, and five filamentous cyanobacteria occurring in these communities are characterized and illustrated. The moisture grade of the rock substrate seems to affect pH, formation of primary iron stain, and the distribution of microbial communities.

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• The lithic microbial ecosystems of Antarctica’s McMurdo Dry Valleys

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