A study of fragmentation rates in lichen populations on rock surfaces using the Kaplan-Meir estimator and Cox regression

Richard A. Armstrong*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Fragmentation rates in 21 populations of three foliose lichens Xanthoparmelia conspersa, Melanelixia fuliginosa ssp. fuliginosa and Parmelia saxatilis and the crustose lichen Rhizocarpon geographicum were estimated in north Wales, UK from the size frequency distribution of thalli with fragmenting centres. The Kaplan-Meier estimator suggested significant differences in fragmentation rates among populations of three of the four species. In M. fuliginosa ssp. fuliginosa, Cox regression analysis also suggested higher rates of fragmentation on rock surfaces with a greater percent lichen cover and increased diversity (Shannon-Weaver diversity index). Slope angle, aspect, texture, and location of population relative to the sea also influenced fragmentation rates. The data suggest considerable variation in fragmentation rates among populations within the same area which may be determined primarily by the intensity of competition on a rock surface.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)169-178
Number of pages10
JournalAnnales Botanici Fennici
Volume54
Issue number1-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2017

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A study of fragmentation rates in lichen populations on rock surfaces using the Kaplan-Meir estimator and Cox regression'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this