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Bryophytes are an important component of nutrient cycling in ecosystems and therefore have an impact on soil composition and neighbouring vegetation. Because of this involvement, they have a significant impact on the biogeochemistry of the region (Cornelissen et al., 2007). Understanding biogeochemistry is important for creating a complete picture of the natural environment, and understanding when or why things grow in the habitat. Changes in bryophyte species richness may be indicative of underlying changes in biogeochemistry that are also associated with the change in elevation. Also, there may be a biogeochemical reason why some species are able to live at higher elevations, lower elevations, or all elevations.
Three keywords that I would use to describe my research project are bryophytes, elevation gradient, and biogeochemistry.
Cornelissen, J.H.C., S.I. Lang, N.A. Soudzilozskaia and H.J. During. 2007. Comparative Cryptogram Ecology:A review of Bryophyte and lichen traits that drive biogeochemistry. Annals of Botany. 99(5):987-1001.
