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Aim: Investigating phylogenetic beta diversity, and its turnover and nestedness components, can shed light on the evolutionary causes shaping the similarity (or dissimilarity) in composition between biological assemblages. Liverworts are important constituents of most terrestrial ecosystems worldwide but studies on phylogenetic beta diversity in liverworts are scarce. Here, we explore geographic patterns of phylogenetic beta diversity and its two components in liverworts across the world and evaluate the relative importance of dispersal limitation and environmental filtering processes in shaping beta diversity patterns at different spatial extents by relating phylogenetic beta diversity or phylogenetic turnover to geographic and climatic distances. Location: Global. Taxon: Liverworts. Methods: We conducted correlation and regression analyses to relate phylogenetic beta diversity and its two components (turnover and nestedness) to six variables representing current climate conditions and two variables representing historical (Quaternary) climate change, and to geographic and climatic distances at different spatial extents (global, continental, and regional). Results: We found that of the eight variables of current and historical climates considered, precipitation seasonality was the strongest determinant of phylogenetic beta diversity in liverworts. At the global extent, geographic and climatic distances explained similar amounts of the variation in phylogenetic turnover, whereas at the continental extent, climatic distance explained more variation than geographic distance in five of the seven continents, and at a regional extent (roughly a circle of 4000 km in diameter), geographic distances generally had a greater effect than climatic distance on phylogenetic turnover. Main Conclusions: We conclude that both dispersal limitation and environmental filtering played an important role in shaping phylogenetic structure of liverwort floras, but their relative importance varies at different spatial scales and among geographic regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cheilolejeunea sicilicula S. Fish & Glenny, a new species of liverwort from lowland indigenous forest reserves in Westland and Western Nelson provinces in South Island, New Zealand, is described and illustrated. In New Zealand it is superficially similar to C. campbelliensis (Steph.) R. M. Schust., C. novaezelandiae R. M. Schust. and C. albovirens (Hook.f. & Taylor) E. A. Hodgs, which are all small-leaved species with leaves that range from 195 to 500 µm long. Cheilolejeunea sicilicula differs from these species in having a curved second tooth, and in having elongated cells along the antical free margin of the lobule. Molecular phylogenetic analyses resolve C. sicilicula as a member of the tropical section Cyrtolejeunea which has five extant species and a Miocene fossil species. This section was previously unknown in New Zealand. The addition of Cheilolejeunea sicilicula to the New Zealand flora brings the number of accepted New Zealand Cheilolejeunea species to 12, six of which are endemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new Checklist of hornworts (Anthocerotophyta) and liverworts (Marchantiophyta) of Slovenia within current political boundaries comprises 181 species, additional 4 subspecies and 2 varieties. Additional 5 species are denoted by a question mark since reports are considered questionable. An alphabetically arranged tabular presentation of genera, species and lower taxa shows their presence in the phytogeographical units of Slovenia. The records from the periods before and after 1958 are marked with different symbols. Each species also has a new Red List status in Slovenia. The checklist includes the data from the literature and Herbarium LJU. Annotations to selected species give a critical evaluation of the literature and herbarium data. A list of taxa that should be excluded from the flora of Slovenia, the synonyms and the used literature with floristic data not cited in this article are also added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Aim Location Taxon Methods Results Main Conclusions Considering the importance of microclimate in maintaining the diversity of epiphytic bryophytes, we investigated epiphytic bryophytes along an elevational gradient in the subtropical forest of eastern China to unravel the diversity patterns of epiphytic liverworts and mosses along the elevational gradients and the roles of forest microclimates, topographic variables and host plant composition attributes in shaping these elevational diversity patterns.Tianmushan National Nature Reserve, Zhejiang, China.Epiphytic bryophytes.Species diversity patterns of liverworts and mosses were compared based on an inventory of 16 plots along an elevational gradient from 367 to 1470 m. In situ microclimatic data of air temperature and moisture were collected under constant monitoring for over 3 years. Spatial linear models and structural equation models were used to assess the relative roles of the environmental variables in shaping the patterns of species diversity along elevation.We found that epiphytic liverwort and moss richness showed different elevational patterns; overall richness patterns of epiphytic bryophytes were largely driven by mosses. Epiphytic mosses exhibited a decline, followed by a hump‐shaped pattern of species richness with increasing elevation, while epiphytic liverworts showed a mid‐elevation plateau with a richness maximum between 800 and 1300 m. Forest microclimate, topography and host plant composition attributes influence epiphytic moss and liverwort patterns differently and interact in a complex way. Overall, species richness of epiphytic liverworts was most strongly affected by microclimate (mean annual air temperature of growing season) and of epiphytic mosses richness by topography (slope). Further, epiphytic liverwort species richness was more influenced by temperature than moisture.This study highlights the importance of collecting climatic factors at a fine scale (microhabitats) for understanding the patterns and drivers of bryophyte diversity. Further, our findings demonstrate the differences between liverworts and mosses in terms of their response to different environments in the forest ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionMethodsKey resultsConclusionsBrazil’s Canga ecosystems, characterised by ironstone outcrops, face increasing threats from mining activities. Predominantly located in Minas Gerais’ Iron Quadrangle region, these ecosystems are notable for their diversity of bryophytes, especially liverworts. Despite their ecological significance, comprehensive studies on liverworts in Cangas are scarce, leaving a gap in understanding their responses to environmental factors.We analysed the organisation of life traits in liverworts across three distinct Canga mesohabitats: exposed areas, shrub associations and tree associations. We hypothesised that these life traits are distinctly structured according to the mesohabitat, ranging from exposed to shaded.Our survey recorded 714 specimens, encompassing 73 species and 12 families, with Lejeuneaceae, Frullaniaceae and Metzgeriaceae being the most represented families. Frullania brasiliensis Raddi emerged as the most abundant species. Mesohabitats differed primarily in terms of solar radiation and temperature. Life traits of communities did not correlate with mesohabitat types. Instead, liverworts formed five functional groups based on family, asexual reproduction, growth forms, spore germination types and leaf colour.This study highlights the ecological heterogeneity and significant liverwort diversity of Brazilian Cangas, emphasising the importance of diverse strategies in population maintenance. Prioritising the functional diversity of liverworts is essential in conservation strategies for Cangas, focusing on preserving diverse mesohabitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weed control in container-grown ornamentals can be improved by careful herbicide selection. Four studies were conducted in greenhouses at Oregon State University to improve the understanding of how differences in the mode of action and formulation of herbicides can affect bryophyte control efficacy and crop safety. Granular (G) formulations of pendimethalin and indaziflam were compared with sprayable liquid (L) formulations of pendimethalin, indaziflam, and dimethenamid-p as well as with a nontreated control on four perennial container-grown ornamentals. Indaziflam in the L formulation performed better than that in the G formulations for controlling hairy bittercress up to 20 weeks after the initial treatment. Dimethenamid-p was more effective than indaziflam for liverwort and moss control. Pendimethalin in the G formulation less effectively controlled hairy bittercress than the L formulation did, but it performed better against moss during a second study. The L formulation of indaziflam injured Japanese pachysandra and boxwood and reduced root and shoot growth by 10% to 29%. Dimethenamid-p provided excellent control of the weed species tested and was safe for the crops, indicating its potential use as an alternative to hand-weeding in greenhouses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marsupella minutissima was recorded for the first time outside of Japan in Jeju-do in the Republic of Korea. The new data significantly improve the knowledge of the species distribution. An analysis of the phylogenetic affinities of the species based on nuclear ITS and plastid trnL-trnF regions showed that it is resolved within the clade corresponding to Marsupella sect. Ustulatae, which is where the most morphologically similar M. funckii and M. sprucei are placed. These tree taxa are well delimited geographically. When found within the same region, such as a mountain chain, they occupy different altitudinal belts. Our results showed clear molecular delimitation; however, we failed to estimate the affinities of M. minutissima within the section based on the available molecular data. A description, line-art illustrations and photographs of the collected materials are provided; data on the oil bodies of the species were obtained for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microtubule organising centres (MTOCs) are sites of localised microtubule nucleation in eukaryotic cells. Regulation of microtubule dynamics often involves KATANIN (KTN): a microtubule severing enzyme that cuts microtubules to generate new negative ends, leading to catastrophic depolymerisation. In Arabidopsis thaliana, KTN is required for the organisation of microtubules in the cell cortex, preprophase band, mitotic spindle and phragmoplast. However, as angiosperms lack MTOCs, the role of KTN in MTOC formation has yet to be studied in plants. Two unique MTOCs - the polar organisers - form on opposing sides of the preprophase nucleus in liverworts. Here, we show that KTN-mediated microtubule depolymerisation regulates the number and organisation of polar organisers formed in Marchantia polymorpha. Mpktn mutants that lacked KTN function had supernumerary disorganised polar organisers compared with wild type. This was in addition to defects in the microtubule organisation in the cell cortex, preprophase band, mitotic spindle and phragmoplast. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that KTN-mediated microtubule dynamics are required for the de novo formation of MTOCs, a previously unreported function in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With recent advances in technology and modelling, ecologists are increasingly advised to use microclimate, not the usual coarse scale macroclimate based on weather stations, to better reflect the proximal conditions that species experience. This is especially relevant in forest ecosystems, where natural disturbances and management create substantial heterogeneity in microclimates. Under dense canopies, species may experience buffered (less extreme) microclimate temperatures relative to macroclimate, as well as increased relative humidity, reduced light and wind. Focusing on understorey plants, we investigated species response curves to the buffering capacity of the canopy layer, measured as the log‐transformed slope parameter of the microclimate to macroclimate linear relationship. If lower or higher than zero, microclimate temperatures are buffered or amplified, respectively, relative to macroclimate. During leaf‐on conditions (July–September 2021), we measured hourly microclimate temperatures in 157 plots across three temperate deciduous forests with contrasted macroclimates. We used paired hourly macroclimate measurements from nearby weather stations to derive the slope parameter, quantifying microclimate buffering. We surveyed vascular plant and bryophyte communities in 400 m2 plots centred on our microclimate sensors. Species were classified into three groups of forest affinity: core specialists; edge specialists; and generalists. We fitted generalized linear mixed‐effects models, by forest affinity group and by species, to obtain logistic response curves of the probability of occurrence against microclimate buffering. The species' optimum was computed as the microclimate effect that maximizes the species' probability of presence. We found contrasted microclimate preferences: Most bryophytes as well as the vascular plants classified as forest core specialists had an optimum in microclimate buffering, while forest edge specialists and generalists among vascular plants had an optimum in microclimate amplification. As canopies undergo increased disturbance frequency and intensity, more generalists and less forest core specialists might thus be expected in understorey communities, especially for bryophytes. Synthesis. Understorey plants have a species‐specific affinity to the forest microclimate, which we quantify for the first time. The investigation of species response curves to microclimate processes—buffering or amplification—can improve our understanding of the ecology of understorey plants, and help us anticipate their redistribution under climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tailings dump of Barraxiutta (Sardinia, Italy) contains considerable concentrations of heavy metals and, consequently, is scarcely colonized by plants. However, wild populations of the liverwort Lunularia cruciata (L.) Dum. form dense and healthy‐looking carpets on this tailing dump.L. cruciata colonizing the tailing dump was compared with a control population growing in a pristine environment in terms of: (i) pollutant content, (ii) photochemical efficiency, and (iii) volatile secondary metabolites in thalli extracts.L. cruciata maintained optimal photosynthesis despite containing considerable amounts of soil pollutants in its thalli and had higher sesquiterpene content compared to control plants.Sesquiterpenes have a role in plant stress resistance and adaptation to adverse environments. In the present study, we propose enhanced sesquiterpenes featuring Contaminated L. cruciata as a defence strategy implemented in the post‐mining environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper provides the first comprehensive, region-wide assessment of mosses, evaluated according to IUCN's Guidelines for Application of IUCN Red List Criteria at Regional Level. The IUCN Red List criteria were applied to 961 Italian moss taxa to assess their current extinction risk and to highlight the major threats affecting the Italian moss flora. Overall, 246 moss taxa assessed in this study are assigned to a risk category and, therefore, considered threatened in Italy, with a percentage of 28.6%. One species is considered Regionally Extinct and 15 species Possibly Extinct at regional level. A further 5.8% are categorized as Near Threatened, 10.6% as Data Deficient and 56.0% as Least Concern. Most threats are co-occurring, indicating that many taxa are subjected to a set of correlated adverse processes. The main IUCN major threats identified were Climate Change and Natural System Modifications (mostly dams and water management and use). Considering the overall Italian bryophyte flora, 330 taxa (246 mosses, 83 liverworts, and 1 hornwort) are considered threatened with extinction at Italian level (29.0% mid-point value), five species are classified as RE and 18 as CR(PE); moreover, 84 taxa are NT (6.6%) and 130 are considered as DD (10.3%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liverwort (Marchantia polymorpha) is a problematic weed in ornamental crop production. The major limitation of liverwort control is lack of herbicide options inside greenhouses and their potential to cause injury. The current research was undertaken to study the effectiveness of allelopathic properties of six different organic mulches including rice hull (RH), cocoa hull (CH), pine bark (PB), maple leaf (ML), shredded cypress (SC), and red hardwood (HW) for liverwort control. Mulch extracts were prepared and used to impregnate agar media at an increasing dose at 1X (2 mL mulch extract), 2X (4 mL), 3X (6 mL), and 4X (8 mL) rates, in a randomized complete block design. Ten liverwort gemmae were transferred to each petri dish and they were maintained inside a growth chamber. The number of gemmae germinating in each petri dish after 1 week and gemmae surviving at the end of 2 weeks was recorded. In greenhouse study, mulch extracts were applied to containers filled with substrate for assessing liverwort control. The mulch extracts or no extract (control) were applied to the containers uniformly at 1X (15 mL), 2X (30 mL), 3X (45 mL) or 4X (60 mL) rates, in a randomized complete block design. The percentage of substrate surface covered by liverwort thalli was visually estimated bi-weekly for 10 weeks. Fresh biomass of the thalli and gemmae cup counts in each pot were also recorded. After 1 week in the growth chamber, ML followed by SC, PB and RH extracts showed maximum suppression of liverwort gemmae germination. At 2 weeks, ML applied at either of the rates provided complete inhibition of liverwort growth. In greenhouse, all the mulch extracts were able to provide complete liverwort control for the first two weeks. All the mulches and rates of applications were significantly different from the control after 6, 8, and 10 weeks. PB and HW mulches showed excellent liverwort control and minimum fresh biomass of liverwort after 10 weeks as compared to other mulches. The allelopathic potential of the organic mulches can be a promising option for biopesticidal control of liverwort and a component of integrated liverwort management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The NPR proteins function as salicylic acid (SA) receptors in Arabidopsis thaliana. AtNPR1 plays a central role in SA‐induced transcriptional reprogramming whereby positively regulates SA‐mediated defense. NPRs are found in the genomes of nearly all land plants. However, we know little about the molecular functions and physiological roles of NPRs in most plant species.We conducted phylogenetic and alignment analyses of NPRs from 68 species covering the significant lineages of land plants. To investigate NPR functions in bryophyte lineages, we generated and characterized NPR loss‐of‐function mutants in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha.Brassicaceae NPR1‐like proteins have characteristically gained or lost functional residues identified in AtNPRs, pointing to the possibility of a unique evolutionary trajectory for the Brassicaceae NPR1‐like proteins. We find that the only NPR in M. polymorpha, MpNPR, is not the master regulator of SA‐induced transcriptional reprogramming and negatively regulates bacterial resistance in this species. The Mpnpr transcriptome suggested roles of MpNPR in heat and far‐red light responses. We identify both Mpnpr and Atnpr1‐1 display enhanced thermomorphogenesis. Interspecies complementation analysis indicated that the molecular properties of AtNPR1 and MpNPR are partially conserved. We further show that MpNPR has SA‐binding activity.NPRs and NPR‐associated pathways have evolved distinctively in diverged land plant lineages to cope with different terrestrial environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specimen data play a crucial role in geographical distribution research. In this study, the collection information of liverwort specimens in China was compiled and analyzed to investigate the history, current status, and limitations of liverwort research in China. By utilizing the latest systematic research findings and corresponding environmental data, a niche model was developed to offer theoretical support for exploring the potential geographical distribution and diversity of liverwort resources. A total of 55,427 liverwort specimens were collected in China, resulting in the recording of 1212 species belonging to 169 genera and 63 families. However, there are imbalances in the distributions of liverwort data among different groups, collection units, and geographical areas, with families such as Lejeuneaceae, Porellaceae, and Plagiochilaceae having the highest number of specimens. Similarly, genera such as Porella, Frullania, and Horikawaella were well represented. Remarkably, 125 species had specimen counts exceeding 100. Unfortunately, approximately 51.77% of the species had fewer than 10 recorded specimens. There were four obvious peaks in the collection years of the bryophyte specimens in China, among which the largest collection occurred from 2010 to 2023. Notably, the number of specimens collected at different stages closely aligned with the history of taxonomic research on liverworts in China. The results of the integrity of the liverwort collection indicate that there is insufficient representation of some families and genera, with a concentration of common and widely distributed large families and genera. Tropical and subtropical humid areas are key regions for liverwort diversity, with water and temperature being the primary environmental factors influencing their geographical distribution. The specific temporal and spatial data of species recorded from plant specimens will enhance the study of species diversity, comprehensive protection, and sustainable utilization. Additionally, these data will contribute to the investigation of large-scale biodiversity distribution patterns and the impact of global change on diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Advances in bryophyte genomics and the phylogenetic recovery of hornworts, mosses, and liverworts as a clade have spurred considerable recent interest in character evolution among early embryophytes. Discussion of stomatal evolution, however, has been incomplete; the result of the neglect of certain potential stomate homologues, namely the two‐celled epidermal gametophytic pores of hornworts (typically referred to as ‘mucilage clefts’). Confusion over the potential homology of these structures is the consequence of a relatively recent consensus that hornwort gametophytic pores (‘HGPs’ – our term) are not homologous to stomates. We explore the occurrence and diverse functions of stomates throughout the evolutionary history and diversity of extinct and extant embryophytes. We then address arguments for and against homology between known sporophyte‐ and gametophyte‐borne stomates and HGPs and conclude that there is little to no evidence that contradicts the hypothesis of homology. We propose that ‘intergenerational heterotopy’ might well account for the novel expression of stomates in gametophytes of hornworts, if stomates first evolved in the sporophyte generation of embryophytes. We then explore phylogenetically based hypotheses for the evolution of stomates in both the gametophyte and sporophyte generations of early lineages of embryophytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calypogeia is a genus of liverworts in the family Calypogeiaceae. The subject of this study was Calypogeia suecica. Samples of the liverwort Calypogeia suecica were collected from various places in southern Poland. A total of 25 samples were collected in 2021, and 25 samples were collected in 2022. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from liverworts were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). A total of 107 compounds were detected, of which 38 compounds were identified. The identified compounds were dominated by compounds from the sesquiterpene group (up to 34.77%) and sesquiterpenoids (up to 48.24%). The tested samples of Calypogeia suecica also contained compounds belonging the aromatic classification (up to 5.46%), aliphatic hydrocarbons (up to 1.66%), and small amounts of monoterpenes (up to 0.17%) and monoterpenoids (up to 0.30%). Due to the observed differences in the composition of VOCs, the tested plant material was divided into two groups, in accordance with genetic diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Latitudinal diversity gradients have been intimately linked to the tropical niche conservatism hypothesis, which posits that there has been a strong filter due to the challenges faced by ancestral tropical lineages to adapt to low temperatures and colonize extra-tropical regions. In liverworts, species richness is higher towards the tropics, but the centres of diversity of the basal lineages are distributed across extra-tropical regions, pointing to the colonization of tropical regions by phylogenetically clustered assemblages of species of temperate origin. Here, we test this hypothesis through analyses of the relationship between macroclimatic variation and phylogenetic diversity in Chinese liverworts. Methods Phylogenetic diversity metrics and their standardized effect sizes for liverworts in each of the 28 regional floras at the province level in China were related to latitude and six climate variables using regression analysis. We conducted variation partitioning analyses to determine the relative importance of each group of climatic variables. Key Results We find that the number of species decreases with latitude, whereas phylogenetic diversity shows the reverse pattern, and that phylogenetic diversity is more strongly correlated with temperature-related variables compared with precipitation-related variables. Conclusions We interpret the opposite patterns observed in phylogenetic diversity and species richness in terms of a more recent origin of tropical diversity coupled with higher extinctions in temperate regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frullania (subg. Trachycolea) sect. Trachycolea has been studied using integrative taxonomy methods and utilizing sampling from almost all areas of distribution of the species previously referred to this section. A phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear ribosomal ITS1-2 and chloroplast trnL-F sequence data and a morphological study reveal a wide range of morphological variability within specimens that has largely disguised the overall taxonomic diversity. Frullania parvistipula, previously regarded as a widespread species, has been found to represent a group of separate species within different sections of F. subg. Trachycolea: F. caucasica and F. conistipula in F. sect. Trachycolea, F. parvistipula in F. sect. Australes, and F. fukuzawana in F. sect. Integristipulae II. Illustrations of the type specimens of F. conistipula, F. fukuzawana, and F. parvistipula, as well as illustrations of the sequenced specimens belonging to two of the discussed species (F. conistipula and F. parvistipula), are provided. The morphological differences separating the highly similar F. caucasica, F. conistipula, F. fukuzawana, F. koponenii, and F. parvistipula are discussed. A dichotomous key is presented for accepted species. New combinations are provided for two taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Systematic studies on the biodiversity of bryophytes along elevational gradients have been conductuted within the native vegetation of the Azores, using the MOVECLIM framework. The primary objective of this study was to inventory the bryophytes present within preserved areas of native vegetation in Terceira Island (Azores). From 25 to 28 September 2012, an inventory of the bryoflora was carried out along an elevational gradient, starting near Serreta lighthouse (38.76658 Latitude; -27.37539 Longitude; 40 m a.s.l.) and culminating on the top of Santa Bárbara Mountain (38.73064 Latitude; -27.32164 Longitude; 1000 m a.s.l.). The study followed the adapted MOVECLIM standardised protocol, as follows: i) six sites were selected along an elevational transect, each site spaced at 200 m elevation intervals; ii) within each site, two 10 m x 10 m plots were established in close proximity from each other (10-15 m); iii) within these plots, three 2 m x 2 m quadrats were randomly selected and sampled for bryophytes. The following substrates were surveyed in each quadrat: rock, soil, humus, organic matter, tree bark at three different heights and leaves/fronds. For each available and bryophyte-colonised substrate, three replicate microplots of 10 cm x 5 cm were collected, resulting in a maximum of 24 microplots per quadrat. New information: Nearly three-quarters of the maximum expected number of microplots (636 out of 864; eventID) were found across the six sites on Terceira Island, resulting in a total of 3677 records (occurrenceID). A high proportion of the specimens could be identified to the species rank (n = 3661; 99.6%), representing 38 families, 60 genera and 92 species, including 58 species of liverworts (Marchantiophyta) and 34 species of mosses (Bryophyta). The inventory included several endemic species: two liverwort species endemic to the Azores, five species endemic to Macaronesia (three mosses and two liverworts) and 11 European endemic species (three mosses and eight liverworts). The elevations with the highest species richness, the highest number of endemic species and the highest number of conservation concern species, spanned between 600 and 1000 m a.s.l. above sea level, coinciding with the best preserved forest vegetation. Overall, tree-dwelling and ground-dwelling substrates showed similar levels of bryophyte occupation (75% vs. 72%). However, the 636 events were unevenly distributed across substrates: leaves and rocks had the fewest replicates (n = 54; 50.0%), while humus and the lowest tree height had the highest values (n = 106; 98.1% and n = 98; 90.7%, respectively). The study contributed to expanding knowledge about the diversity and distribution of the Azorean Bryoflora, both on a local and a regional scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For clades originating in warm climates, the tropical niche conservatism hypothesis predicts that current biological assemblages in colder or drier climates are expected to have lower phylogenetic diversity, and species in colder or drier climates are expected to be more closely related to each other (i.e., higher phylogenetic clustering). Liverworts are one of the oldest clades of extant land plants. They originated about 500 Ma during a warm (“greenhouse”) period and experienced multiple major cycles of warm and cold periods. Here, I test the tropical niche conservatism hypothesis using liverwort assemblages distributed along an elevational gradient crossing about 5000 m of elevation in the central Himalaya. I found that, in general, phylogenetic diversity and dispersion decrease with increasing elevation and thus with decreasing temperature, which is consistent with the tropical niche conservatism hypothesis. Phylogenetic diversity decreases with elevation monotonically, but phylogenetic dispersion decreases with elevation in a triphasic (zig‐zag) pattern, which is generally consistent with the triphasic pattern found in angiosperms and polypod ferns along the same elevational gradient. Temperature‐related variables explained approximately the same amount of the variation in phylogenetic diversity and dispersion as did precipitation‐related variables, although mean annual temperature explained 9%−15% more variation than did annual precipitation. Climate extreme variables explained approximately the same amount of variation in phylogenetic diversity and dispersion as did climate seasonality variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gottschelia, collected for the first time in Indochina, inspired an attempt to review the genus phylogeny to identify a more precise position of Indochinese plants. The genetic distance between African and Asian populations of G. schizopleura sensu lato was confirmed. The two groups should be treated as different species. A new combination, G. microphylla comb. nov., has been proposed for Asian plants. Aside from molecular genetics, distinguishing this species from the presumable strictly African G. schizopleura is also possible by morphological characteristics, as well as by its distribution. At the same time, at least three groups are distinguished among Asian haplotypes of G. microphylla, each of which can be interpreted as a species or, at least, subspecies. A morphological description, intravital photographs of the general habitat, and details of the morphological structures are provided. The position of Gottschelia in the phylogenetic schema of Jungermanniales does not allow us to attribute it to any of the known families and forces us to describe a new family, Gottscheliaceae, which is phylogenetically somewhat related to the Chaetophyllopsidaceae re-evaluated here and very different from Gottscheliaceae morphologically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to a combination of reportedly unique morphological characters and an unlocatable type specimen, Marchantiopsis stoloniscyphula has been regarded as an enigmatic species in Marchantiaceae since its description, and all subsequent taxonomic treatments of this species were made without examination of the type. We located the original material of M. stoloniscyphula which was included as an admixture within the holotype of Wiesnerella fasciaria deposited in IFP. Our morphological examination found that M. stoloniscyphula and W. fasciaria are conspecific with Marchantia papillata subsp. grossibarba and Sandea japonica, respectively. The nomenclature of Marchantiopsis and M. stoloniscyphula are discussed. Lectotypes for M. stoloniscyphula and W. fasciaria are also designated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with the 92/43/EEC "Habitats" Directive, Mediterranean temporary ponds are identified as a priority natural habitat within the European context. They are a very interesting and unique habitat type, as ecological conditions can vary greatly in a short period of time. Due to their small size, many Mediterranean hydrophytic bryophytes typical of this habitat are often overlooked or misinterpreted. Their distribution, habitats, ecology, and strategies are generally poorly understood. Several of them are currently considered rare or endangered in the Mediterranean. As these ponds are particularly sensitive to human activities and natural changes, such bryophytes and associated vegetation communities may be at risk. This study is focused on their floristic variability in different environmental conditions in two sites of particular phytogeographic interest in the Mediterranean area. In the Sardinian Pauli of Giara, 56 taxa (50 Bryophyta and 6 Marchantiophyta) were found, and in the Umbria Piana di Ferretto, 54 taxa (34 Bryophyta and 20 Marchantiophyta) were documented. The taxa from the two areas were analysed and compared. Life strategies, life macroforms, light and moisture preferences, chorological elements, and moisture belts were considered. The data are presented here together with information on the phytogeography and ecology of the species recorded. The findings indicate that a bespoke monitoring strategy and dedicated conservation measures are essential for the effective protection of bryophytes, ensuring the achievement of meaningful and sustainable conservation outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionMethodsKey results and conclusionsBryophyte herbarium material often contains inadvertently collected bryophilous fungi preserved with their host plant tissues, providing snapshots of the biotic aspects of bryophyte ecology in space and time. During an ongoing project to study bryophilous fungi on leafy liverworts in the genus Gymnomitrion, new records of the bryophilous ascomycete Bryobroma gymnomitrii (≡ Bryomyces gymnomitrii) were discovered in herbarium material from areas in which the fungus was previously unknown. While many host vouchers were screened, the fungus was observed in only five collections. Using B. gymnomitrii as a case study, some of the advantages and limitations associated with the utility of bryophyte collections for bryo-mycological analyses are considered.More than 400 herbarium specimens from across Europe and North America were screened for the presence of fungi by different researchers at the following four herbaria: ALA, BBSUK, NMW and OSC.Bryobroma gymnomitrii appears to be specific to Gymnomitrion concinnatum and G. corallioides, forming gregarious, black perithecioid fruitbodies on the lower parts of host shoots. The study expands the known distribution of the fungus from a stronghold in northern and northeastern Europe to include the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. One of the host bryophytes, G. corallioides, is threatened by deterioration of its high-altitude Arctic-montane habitats, especially along the southern parts of its range, including Britain and Ireland. Our work supports the concept that research utilising herbarium material may provide valuable, unexpected outcomes, with bryophytes as important sources of fungi that have been inadvertently collected in the past. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study identified 20 liverwort species from Tirap district, Arunachal Pradesh, India, marking the first ever documentation of bryophytes from the region. The specimens were collected from various locations within the study area and subsequently brought to the laboratory. Micromorphological and anatomical characteristics of the specimens were analysed and identified by consulting relevant literatures. Three species, viz. Plagiochila himalayana Schiffn., P. khasiana Mitt., and Solenostoma lanigerum (Mitt.) Váňa & D.G.Long, are newly reported for the first time from the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The species were found to be an integral part of ecosystem growing in association with various plant species, providing soil stability, and shelter for other organisms. The study is important for understanding bryophyte diversity and ecosystem health of the region. In addition, it will also help in planning conservation strategy and sustainable management of bryophytes, their habitat or host species and the overall biodiversity in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two leafy liverwort species from the late Eocene Rovno amber are described. They are placed in the extant genus Nipponolejeunea (Jubulaceae, Porellales, Marchantiophyta) that includes two extant East Asian species and one fossil species described from the Eocene Baltic amber. New fossil species N. rovnoi sp. nov. and N. solodovnikovii sp. nov. differ from the Baltic N. europea, thus making the extinct diversity of the genus exceeding the contemporary species diversity, and such a case is registered for the first time for liverworts. The finding of Nipponolejeunea in Rovno amber may indicate the presence of Abies in the Eocene of Ukraine, since at the southern border of its distribution in Japan extant species the genus grows only on fir trunk. This is in a good concordance with the recent finding in Rovno amber the longhorn beetle Poliaenus europaeus, also associated with fir trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Montane oceanic islands possess unique geographic and ecological attributes, rendering them valuable for assessing patterns and drivers of alpha and beta taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity along elevational gradients. Such comparisons of diversity facets can provide insights into the mechanisms governing community assembly on islands. Herein, we aimed to characterize taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic bryophyte diversity on Madeira Island within and across areas at varying elevations. We also assessed how these diversity facets for the alpha and beta components relate to ecological and anthropogenic factors. We estimated and compared alpha and beta taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity using 80 plots of 0.5 m × 0.5 m across the whole elevational gradient of the island. We compiled trait databases and supplemented them with our own observations. Phylogenetic information was sourced from the Moss and Liverwort Tree of Life. To assess the impact of ecological and anthropogenic factors on the three facets, we applied linear mixed‐effects models and generalized dissimilarity models to alpha‐ and beta‐diversity matrices, respectively. All facets of diversity exhibited strong correlations within both mosses and liverworts, indicating a substantial congruence when alpha and beta are analyzed separately. The bryophyte groups categorized by the growth form demonstrated contrasting patterns, aligning with their distinctive ecological requirements. While a mid‐elevation peak emerged as a common pattern across the three facets of alpha diversity, beta diversity often displayed the opposite trend. Although the relative influence of environmental factors varied depending on the diversity facet and bryophyte grouping considered, we found that alpha and beta diversity of bryophytes are more influenced by climatic factors and the predominant type of vegetation than by anthropogenic factors. In the current context of global change, these results should be interpreted with caution, but they point to the resilience of bryophytes to survive in relatively well‐preserved natural microhabitats within anthropogenic landscapes. In this study on Madeira Island, we investigated patterns and drivers of alpha and beta taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity along elevational gradients. We found that alpha and beta diversity of bryophytes are more strongly influenced by climatic factors and the predominant type of vegetation than by anthropogenic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relationships of the three bryophyte lineages (liverworts, mosses, and hornworts) to vascular plants is a pivotal question in the study of the origin and evolution of land plants. In recent decades, this question has been subjected to intense phylogenetic analyses using morphological characters, multigene DNA sequences, and genome structural characters. A tentative consensus, reached ten years ago, suggested that bryophytes are a paraphyletic group, with liverworts being sister to all other land plants and hornworts being sister to vascular plants. However, several more recent nuclear phylogenomic studies have concluded that bryophytes represent a monophyletic group that is sister to vascular plants. A discussion is presented here on strengths and weaknesses of different types of characters (morphological traits, nucleotide sequences, and genome structural arrangements) and their suitability for resolving deep phylogenetic relationships. Moreover, several criteria for credible phylogenetic reconstruction are proposed. Strong statistical support for reconstructed relationships should be derived from high-quality, independent characters selected for suitability to the particular question being addressed. The relationships inferred in a study should be congruent with those from as many other lines of phylogenetic evidence as possible. Any incongruities should be explicable by well-understood biological mechanisms. It is concluded that the relationships of the three bryophyte lineages to vascular plants should currently be viewed as unresolved. This is a difficult phylogenetic problem; the land plants underwent a rapid radiation a long time ago. Yet, further exploration of analytical methods and careful choice of characters should lead to the eventual elucidation of diversification patterns among early land plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bryophytes, a monophyletic group comprising three major lineages, diversified soon after the terrestrialization of land plants. However, their internal phylogenetic relationships remain controversial. In this study, we reconstructed the ordinal and familial phylogeny of bryophytes using the largest plastid data set to date, including 549 taxa that represent almost all known orders and two‐thirds of families. The strongly supported phylogenetic inference enabled us to propose in mosses seven newly segregated families, that is, Baldwiniellaceae, Calyptrochaetaceae, Ctenidiaceae, Herpetineuraceae, Isodrepaniaceae, Pseudotaxiphyllaceae, and Rozeaceae, and one reduced family, that is, Climaciaceae. We also transferred the liverwort family Calyculariaceae from Fossombroniales to Pelliales. Recent advancements in molecular phylogeny have revolutionized bryophyte classification, tending to be more fragmental. Hence, we further propose a revised familial classification system for bryophytes that includes 45 orders and 142 families in mosses, 23 orders and 85 families in liverworts, and five orders and five families in hornworts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is a Commentary on Sanmartín et al. (2024), 244: 870–882. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Bryophytes, including the lineages of mosses, liverworts, and hornworts, are the second‐largest photoautotroph group on Earth. Recent work across terrestrial ecosystems has highlighted how bryophytes retain and control water, fix substantial amounts of carbon (C), and contribute to nitrogen (N) cycles in forests (boreal, temperate, and tropical), tundra, peatlands, grasslands, and deserts. Understanding how changing climate affects bryophyte contributions to global cycles in different ecosystems is of primary importance. However, because of their small physical size, bryophytes have been largely ignored in research on water, C, and N cycles at global scales. Here, we review the literature on how bryophytes influence global biogeochemical cycles, and we highlight that while some aspects of global change represent critical tipping points for survival, bryophytes may also buffer many ecosystems from change due to their capacity for water, C, and N uptake and storage. However, as the thresholds of resistance of bryophytes to temperature and precipitation regime changes are mostly unknown, it is challenging to predict how long this buffering capacity will remain functional. Furthermore, as ecosystems shift their global distribution in response to changing climate, the size of different bryophyte‐influenced biomes will change, resulting in shifts in the magnitude of bryophyte impacts on global ecosystem functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: RNA editing is a crucial modification in plants' organellar transcripts that converts cytidine to uridine (C‐to‐U; and sometimes uridine to cytidine) in RNA molecules. This post‐transcriptional process is controlled by the PLS‐class protein with a DYW domain, which belongs to the pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein family. RNA editing is widespread in land plants; however, complex thalloid liverworts (Marchantiopsida) are the only group reported to lack both RNA editing and DYW‐PPR protein.The liverwort Cyathodium cavernarum (Marchantiopsida, Cyathodiaceae), typically found in cave habitats, was newly found to have 129 C‐to‐U RNA editing sites in its chloroplast and 172 sites in its mitochondria.The Cyathodium genus, specifically C. cavernarum, has a large number of PPR editing factor genes, including 251 DYW‐type PPR proteins. These DYW‐type PPR proteins may be responsible for C‐to‐U RNA editing in C. cavernarum.Cyathodium cavernarum possesses both PPR DYW proteins and RNA editing. Our analysis suggests that the remarkable RNA editing capability of C. cavernarum may have been acquired alongside the emergence of DYW‐type PPR editing factors. These findings provide insight into the evolutionary pattern of RNA editing in land plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cover Legend Cells of the leaf of the liverwort Frullania fragilifolia (Frullaniaceae), showing cells of two types, including those with chloroplasts plus small oil bodies and those with chloroplasts plus a single large oil body, the latter termed 'ocelli'. Image courtesy of Des Callaghan (Slate et al., pp. 2411–2429).. [Extracted from the article]

A new, updated checklist of the bryophytes of Algeria was compiled from the literature. Reports were made mainly by French botanists in the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries and include a total of 498 taxa, of which 477 are at species level and the rest are at infraspecific rank. It comprises three hornwort species, 118 liverwort taxa (113 species), and 377 moss taxa (361 species). For each taxon, literature records and localities explored in the country are provided. The analysis of the current data reveals that Algeria is the Maghreb country with the second-largest number of bryophyte taxa, behind Morocco. As in other Mediterranean countries, hornworts and liverworts are scarce (24.3%), and mosses are dominant (75.7%). Concerning liverworts and hornworts, the family Ricciaceae and genus Riccia (31 taxa) are the best-represented; the aquatic and ephemeral genus Riella (8 taxa) shows the higher number of species in the Mediterranean countries. Regarding mosses, the family Pottiaceae is the largest one, with 107 taxa (28.4% of the moss taxa), and Tortula (22 taxa) is the most species-rich genus. Algeria has, by now, the lowest species/km2 ratio (0.20 × 10-3) compared to the rest of the Maghreb and some European Mediterranean countries (Greece, Italy, and Spain), due not only to the low degree of knowledge of the bryophyte flora but also to the larger surface area of the country and the great extension of the Saharan region. The high percentages of rare or very rare taxa (72.5%) versus the low percentages of frequent, common, and very common (27.5%) can be an indicator that many areas are still underexplored, and that the bryophyte flora of the country cannot be considered well-known. The revision or collection of new samples of some rare or doubtful taxa would be necessary to assess the reliability of some reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The knowledge of British and Irish bryophytes has been summarised at intervals since 1690 in national floras and checklists. The number of species and varieties recognised in these works can be used to track the discovery of British and Irish bryophytes. Methods: The main floras and checklists were identified, and the taxa recognised in twenty of them counted and their identity assessed in relation to the current (2021) checklist. Key results: The number of known bryophytes increased rapidly after the publication of Ray's Synopsis (1690). Dillenius's (1741) Historia muscorum brought together all previous reports. His polynomials were the main source for Linnaeus's binomial names in Species plantarum (1753). Linnaeus cut the number of British and Irish species from 179 to 119, omitting those that seemed to him obscure. It was clumsily done, and William Hudson (1762), in Flora Anglica, increased the number to 139, with 51 varieties, of which 37 are now treated as species. His contemporary Richard Pulteney made an early attempt to trace first records in a manuscript compiled ca. 1789. We agree with 134 of Pulteney's first records, but disagree with 88. All the historic lists contain redundancies – species that were then thought distinct but are now lumped together, the maximum being Smith's (1804) Flora Britannica, with 62. From 1855 to 1930 numerous varieties were recognised. These peaked at 309 moss varieties in Duncan's (1926) checklist and 117 liverworts in Wilson's (1930) checklist. In 2021 they have shrunk to 33 moss varieties and 9 liverworts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the bryophyte flora of a collapse doline located in the steppe of Central Anatolia has been investigated. As a result of the identification of 365 bryophyte specimens collected from various habitats of doline, a total of 72 taxa (71mosses and 1 liverwort) belonging to 9 families and 24 genera are determined. Among them Didymodon icmadophilus is new for C13 grid-square. The most species-rich families in the study area are Pottiaceae (31 taxa), Bryaceae (13 taxa) and Grimmiaceae (11 taxa) respectively. While the widespread genera are Syntrichia (9 taxa), Didymodon (9 taxa), Ptychostomum (9 taxa) and Grimmia (6 taxa). Syntrichia ruralis, Weissia condensa, Didymodon vinealis and Orthotrichum cupulatum are the most common species in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asterella africana is a thalloid liverwort species, which is very rare in Europe and up to now reported in Italy only from Sardinia and based on an old specimen collected by De Notaris and kept in the Herbarium of the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris (PC). In this article, we report the finding of this species in Sicily. Notes on taxonomy, ecology, distribution, and conservation status are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountain streams with rocky substrates and high turbulence are generally characterized by bryophytes rather than vascular plants. Conocephalum salebrosum (Snakeskin Liverwort) is a thallose bryophyte that occurs in damp soil along streambanks as well as on rocks and boulders in stream channels. Our objectives were to determine its prevalence on boulders in western North Carolina streams and characterize its habitat and chlorophyll levels. We documented Snakeskin Liverwort in 11 streams across 6 counties and 3 river basins; all had a circumneutral pH and low conductivity. We found patches of Snakeskin Liverwort in a variety of light conditions, but overall, patches were situated on boulders that received significantly less sunlight than nearby random boulders. Within channels, patches occurred more often along the edges of streams than in the center. Chlorophyll concentrations in thalli collected from 2 streams at different elevations and river basins did not differ significantly, suggesting similar photosynthetic potential. Mosses were present on ≥92% of boulders supporting Snakeskin Liverwort and on ≥90% of nearby random boulders. Vascular plants occurred in 50–93% of Snakeskin Liverwort patches, compared with 10–28% of random boulders. Graminoids (sedges and grasses) were the most common vascular plants aasociated with liverwort patches, followed by forbs. Our results suggest the thallose mats of Snakeskin Liverwort facilitate the establishment of rooted plants on boulders, which could enhance overall primary production in mountain streams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2023 checklist for Pennsylvania bryophytes lists 547 taxa including 426 mosses, 118 liverworts, and 3 hornworts, but only 48 confirmed moss species and one liverwort species collected during the last 100 years from Perry County. As a result of fieldwork reported herein and review of herbarium data from 1923 to present, an additional 49 moss and 2 liverwort species are now included in the Perry County bryoflora. Significant bryophyte species reported from the county include the moss Bucklandiella venusta, which represents the first collection of this species in Pennsylvania during the past 100 years. Currently, 97 moss and 3 hepatic taxa are reported from Perry County, Pennsylvania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Bryological inventories in Cuban protected areas support the updating of management plans by inventorying species, detecting threats and designing actions for their conservation. The aim of this research is to characterize the bryoflora present in the Managed Floristic Reserves La Caoba and Charrascales de Mícara, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. M&M: In the collection of the specimens, suitable habitats for the establishment of the bryophytes were explored following the method of Floristic Habitat Sampling. Specialised literature and databases were consulted in the determination of taxa. All collected material was deposited in the Bryophyta collection of the BSC herbarium. Results: For the Managed Floristic Reserves La Caoba and Charrascales de Mícara 49 infrageneric taxa of hornworts, liverworts and mosses were recorded. The La Caoba reserve was the most diverse (73.5% of the total) and mosses the best represented division (55.1%). The epiphytic substrate is the most diverse and the mesophyll semi-deciduous forest the best represented plant formation (83.3%). All threatened taxa were recorded in the La Caoba Managed Floristic Reserve. Conclusions: In the Managed Floristic Reserves La Caoba and Charrascales de Mícara the bryoflora is characterised by the presence of taxa with a wide ecological plasticity and geographical distribution. The conditions present in the Charrascales de Mícara reserve limit the development of bryophytes. The bryological diversity in La Caoba is threatened by habitat fragmentation due to landscape alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reproductive allocation and cost play a crucial role in the survival of organisms, but research on these traits in bryophytes has been limited and inconsistent. To address this, we conducted a literature review focusing on bryophyte studies. Our goal was to clarify inconsistencies and explore reproductive allocation and cost concepts, as well as current trends in bryophyte reproduction. We examined different approaches and highlighted advantages and limitations. We emphasized five key topics: the importance of understanding reproductive allocation and reproductive cost in bryophytes; the significance of bryophytes as model organisms; historical research; terminological and methodological inconsistencies; sexual dimorphism and reproductive allocation; and measurement methods. Furthermore, we provided insights into future perspectives. Based on our findings, we advocate for standardized quantification of reproductive allocation. Standardization would enhance comparability and synthesis of results, ultimately advancing our understanding of reproductive allocation and cost of reproduction in bryophytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Although the vascular flora of Western Australia is renowned for high species diversity and endemism, very little is known about the state's moss and liverwort flora. Aims: In 1984 we conducted surveys of bryophytes in Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve. Methods: We searched comprehensively for bryophytes at seven major habitats on the Reserve, collecting voucher specimens subsequently identified with modern literature and with the help of Australian bryophyte experts. We updated the text to reflect modern taxonomy and considering modern literature on phytogeography and hypotheses associated with OCBIL (Old, Climatically Buffered, Infertile Landscapes) theory. Key results: A total of 38 species of mosses representing 25 genera from 13 families were identified along with 10 species of liverworts representing nine genera and six families. Two moss species (Distichium inclinatum and Tortella dakinii) were previously unknown from Western Australia. Another represented a new species (Pleurophascum occidentale) in a heretofore monotypic genus, family, and order. The Pottiaceae, with 11 species, was the most diverse family of mosses. The Lepidoziaceae, with three species, was the most diverse family of liverworts. Conclusions: Lower levels of endemism in bryophytes versus vascular plants may reflect the bryophytes' capacity for wide and long-distance dispersal of spores and fragments. Bryophyte diversity and endemism may be less than on extensive OCBILs because much of the Reserve emerged from the ocean as recently as the mid-Pleistocene. Implications: This, the first listing published of bryophytes on a Reserve in WA, indicates the potential rewards for further survey of mosses and liverworts. In 1984 we searched comprehensively for bryophytes at seven major habitats on Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve. A total of 38 species of mosses and ten species of liverworts included two moss species (Distichium inclinatum and Tortella dakinii) previously unknown from Western Australia. Another represented a new species (Pleurophascum occidentale) in a heretofore monotypic order. This, the first listing published of bryophytes on a Reserve in Western Australia, indicates the potential rewards for further survey of bryophytes. This article belongs to the Collection The Natural History of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Riccia fluitans, an amphibious liverwort, exhibits a fascinating adaptation mechanism to transition between terrestrial and aquatic environments. Utilizing nanopore direct RNA sequencing, we try to capture the complex epitranscriptomic changes undergone in response to land-water transition. Results: A significant finding is the identification of 45 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with a split of 33 downregulated in terrestrial forms and 12 upregulated in aquatic forms, indicating a robust transcriptional response to environmental changes. Analysis of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications revealed 173 m6A sites in aquatic and only 27 sites in the terrestrial forms, indicating a significant increase in methylation in the former, which could facilitate rapid adaptation to changing environments. The aquatic form showed a global elongation bias in poly(A) tails, which is associated with increased mRNA stability and efficient translation, enhancing the plant's resilience to water stress. Significant differences in polyadenylation signals were observed between the two forms, with nine transcripts showing notable changes in tail length, suggesting an adaptive mechanism to modulate mRNA stability and translational efficiency in response to environmental conditions. This differential methylation and polyadenylation underline a sophisticated layer of post-transcriptional regulation, enabling Riccia fluitans to fine-tune gene expression in response to its living conditions. Conclusions: These insights into transcriptome dynamics offer a deeper understanding of plant adaptation strategies at the molecular level, contributing to the broader knowledge of plant biology and evolution. These findings underscore the sophisticated post-transcriptional regulatory strategies Riccia fluitans employs to navigate the challenges of aquatic versus terrestrial living, highlighting the plant's dynamic adaptation to environmental stresses and its utility as a model for studying adaptation mechanisms in amphibious plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phototropin (phot) is a blue light (BL) receptor and thermosensor that mediates chloroplast movements in plants. Liverworts, as early‐diverging plant species, have a single copy of PHOT gene, and the phot protein in each liverwort activates the signaling pathway adapted to its specific growing environment. In this study, we functionally compared phot from two different liverworts species: Apopellia endiviifolia (Aephot) and Marchantia polymorpha (Mpphot). The BL‐dependent photochemical activity of Aephot was similar to that of Mpphot, whereas the thermochemical activity of Aephot was lower than that of Mpphot. Therefore, the phot‐mediated signaling pathways of the two plant species may differ more in response to temperature than to BL. Furthermore, we analyzed the functional compatibility of Aephot and Mpphot in chloroplast movements by transiently expressing AePHOT or MpPHOT. The transient expression of AePHOT did not mediate chloroplast movement in M. polymorpha, showing the incompatibility of Aephot with the signaling pathway of M. polymorpha. By contrast, the transient expression of MpPHOT mediated chloroplast movement in A. endiviifolia, indicating the compatibility of Mpphot with the signaling pathway of A. endiviifolia. Our findings reveal both functional similarities and differences between Aephot and Mpphot proteins from the closely related liverworts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of liverworts in the North Pacific is still poorly understood. Scapania umbrosa, which is rare in Asia, was first recorded during the study of the liverwort flora of the Commander Islands (the westernmost Aleutians). The results of the molecular genetic analysis not only confirmed that the specimen belonged to Scapania umbrosa but also demonstrated the genetic specificity of the discovered population in comparison with the European, Siberian, and Alaskan populations. The island population of Scapania umbrosa is likely a recently diverged isolate of the species. Previously reported data on the distribution of Scapania umbrosa in the Russian Far East from Kamchatka and Kunashir (VBGI Herbarium), as well as from Sakhalin and Southern Primorye (reported in GBIF), are based on misidentifications. Morphological descriptions, distinguishing characters, line drawings, and photographs of Scapania umbrosa based on the collected material are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the liverwort Hygrobiella laxiflora as an example, this study aims to investigate the impact of climate change on montane species and their ecosystems. The study area is the Elbe Sandstone Mountains in Germany and the Czech Republic, where Hygrobiella laxifolia has an isolated occurrence in deeply carved gorges characterized by a specific microclimate (cellar climate). The focus is on determining the rate at which populations are affected. After little change in the population over a long period, a sudden sharp decline has been observed in recent years. The decline correlates with the mass proliferation of the European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) observed since 2017, which has led to a strong thinning of the forests in the area. In many areas of occurrence, the forests now have a much sparser tree layer or none at all. Competition from other, more competitive species also plays an important role as a cause of decline, as these have spread more widely on the sites due to the now higher light levels. The severe bark beetle infestation and the large-scale forest fire of 2022 both represent events that led to the almost complete deforestation of large parts of the study area, which was previously unknown on this scale. Since both the bark beetle infestation and the forest fire are strongly intensified by climate change, we assume that climate change is the main reason for the decline of Hygrobiella laxifolia in the area. The populations of Hygrobiella laxifolia of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains show some morphological peculiarities. As two new species have recently been described within Hygrobiella, we have integrated a sample from the area into a molecular phylogeny of Hygrobiella based on the plastid sequences of trnL-trnF intergenic spacer and matK to clarify the relationships. The sample from Elbe Sandstone Mountains fits well into the clade of Hygrobiella laxifolia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) is a universal signaling molecule that acts as a second messenger in various organisms. It is well established that cAMP plays essential roles across the tree of life, although the function of cAMP in land plants has long been debated. We previously identified the enzyme with both adenylyl cyclase (AC) and cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity as the cAMP-synthesis/hydrolysis enzyme COMBINED AC with PDE (CAPE) in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. CAPE is conserved in streptophytes that reproduce with motile sperm; however, the precise function of CAPE is not yet known. In this study, we demonstrate that the loss of function of CAPE in M. polymorpha led to male infertility due to impaired sperm flagellar motility. We also found that two genes encoding the regulatory subunits of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA-R) were also involved in sperm motility. Based on these findings, it is evident that CAPE and PKA-Rs act as a cAMP signaling module that regulates sperm motility in M. polymorpha. Therefore, our results have shed light on the function of cAMP signaling and sperm motility regulators in land plants. This study suggests that cAMP signaling plays a common role in plant and animal sperm motility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aytoniaceae are one of the largest families of complex thalloid liverworts (Marchantiopsida), consisting of about 70 species, with most species being distributed in temperate areas. However, the phylogeny and evolution of the morphological character of Aytoniaceae are still poorly understood. Here, we employed two chloroplast loci, specifically, rbcL and trnL-F, along with a 26S nuclear ribosomal sequence to reconstruct the phylogeny and track the morphological evolution of Aytoniaceae. Our results reveal that Aytoniaceae are monophyletic, and five monophyletic clades were recovered (i.e., Asterellopsis-Cryptomitrium, Calasterella, Mannia, Reboulia-Plagiochasma, and Asterella). Asterella was divided into five clades (i.e., Asterella lindenbergiana, subg. Saccatae, subg. Phragmoblepharis, subg. Wallichianae, and subg. Asterella), except for Asterella palmeri, which is the sister of Asterellopsis grollei. Bayesian molecular clock dating indicates that the five primary clades within Aytoniaceae underwent divergence events in the Cretaceous period. Asterellopsis differentiated during the early Upper Cretaceous (c. 84.2 Ma), and Calasterella originated from the late Lower Cretaceous (c. 143.0 Ma). The ancestral Aytoniaceae plant is reconstructed as the absence of a pseudoperianth, lacking equatorial apertures, and having both male and female reproductive organs on the main thallus. At present, Asterellopsis consists of two species known in Asia and America with the new transfer of Asterella palmeri to Asterellopsis. A new subgenus, Asterella subg. Lindenbergianae, is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New chorological data are presented for ten bryophyte species. Of these, Corsinia coriandrina, Fossombronia angulosa, Aulacomnium androgynum, Dicranum undulatum, Drepanocladus trifarius, and Fissidens osmundoides are red-listed. New localities are reported for the recently found in Bulgaria Ephemerum crassinervium subsp. sessile and Thamnobryum neckeroides, and the occurrence of Pseudephemerum nitidum is confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lower Tocantins region, which includes the municipality of Abaetetuba, is located in the northeastern of Pará state, in Eastern Amazonia, Brazil, presenting a heterogeneous set of forests, among which Terra Firme, Várzea, and Freshwater Beach forests stand out for their floristic, economic, and ecological significance. However, the bryophyte flora is poorly known in the Lower Tocantins, with only 51 moss species reported for the region. This study aimed to investigate the richness and composition of bryophytes in different types of forests in Abaetetuba, Lower Tocantins River basin, Pará state, to contribute to the floristic knowledge of bryophytes in the region. Species diversity and exploratory analyses were conducted to understand the bryophyte communities in Terra Firme, Várzea, and Freshwater Beach forests. The bryophyte flora recorded in Abaetetuba comprises 103 species (36 mosses and 67 liverworts), including widely distributed species in the three forest types and species restricted mainly to Terra Firme forests. There were two new records, one for South America (Cololejeunea setiloba A.Evans) and another for the state of Pará (Leptolejeunea radicosa (Mont.) Grolle). The richness and composition of species in Terra Firme and Freshwater Beach forests align with what has been reported in studies conducted in the Lower Amazon, but yielded discrepant results from previous studies in Várzea forests. Regarding the colonization of substrates, the complexity of the structure of the communities increased from Freshwater Beach forests to Várzea and Terra Firme forests, in this order, with the appearance of terricolous species in Várzea forests and of species colonizing termite mounds in Terra Firme forests. These findings indicate that Amazonian environments, their biodiversity, and the distribution pattern of species can be better understood through the exploration of new areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]