Krashevska, V. (2008): <b>Diversity and community structure of testate amoebae (protista)in tropical montane rain forests of southern Ecuador: Altitudinal gradient, aboveground habitats and nutrient </b> TU Darmstadt, <i>phd thesis</i>
Resource Description
Title:
Diversity and community structure of testate amoebae (protista)in tropical montane rain forests of southern Ecuador: Altitudinal gradient, aboveground habitats and nutrient
FOR816dw ID:
1093
Publication Date:
2008-12-19
License and Usage Rights:
Resource Owner(s):
Individual:
Valentyna Krashevska
Contact:
email:
vkrashe <at> gwdg.de
Berliner Str. 28
37073 Göttingen
Germany
Abstract:
The tropical Andes in southern Ecuador constitute a hotspot of plant (especially trees and bryophytes) and animal (especially birds, bats, arctiid and geometrid mothes) diversity. However, data on small animals such as testate amoebae as an important component of the soil and aboveground community are lacking. Variations in density, diversity and community structure of testate amoebae along altitudinal transects in tropical regions are largely unknown. Testate amoebae colonize almost any habitat but are most abundant and diverse in soils with high humidity, high organic content and slow rates of decomposition. They preferentially feed on certain bacteria thereby affecting the taxonomic composition and metabolic activity of microbial communities. By altering microbial activity testate amoebae affect nutrient cycling in particular in ecosystems where earthworm populations are depleted. The present thesis investigates the density and diversity of testate amoebae in litter, soil and aboveground habitats along an elevational gradient of tropical mountain rain forests in southern Ecuador, evaluates correlations with biotic and abiotic factors, and proves the role of nutrient limitation.
Literature type specific fields:
THESIS
Degree:
phd
Degree Institution:
TU Darmstadt
Total Pages:
112
Metadata Provider:
Individual:
Valentyna Krashevska
Contact:
email:
vkrashe <at> gwdg.de
Berliner Str. 28
37073 Göttingen
Germany
