Nova Hedwigia .
53
1-2
27-71
Stuttgart, August 1991
Bryophyte response surfaces along climatic, chemical, and
physical gradients in peatlands of western Canada
by
L. Dennis Gignac1, Dale H. Vitt2, Stephen C. ZoltaP
and Suzanne E. Bayley2
With 10 figures and 6 tables
Gignac, L.D., D.H. Viti, S .C . Zollai & S.E. Bayley (1991): Bryophyte response surfaces along climatic,
chemical, and physical gradients in peatlands of western C anada. - Nova Hedwigia 53: 27-7 1 .
Abstract: The bryophyte component o f peatland vegetation i s analysed for 395 stands o n 335 study sites
in western Canada. Sites are located along a broad transect from the Queen Charlotte Islands, British
Columbia to southeastern Manitoba. The climate in the study area is divided into five zones: hyper­
oceanic, oceanic , suboceanic, subcontinental. A TWINSPAN anl\lysis separated the stands into six
groups and selected indicator species for each group. A DCCA ordination showed that surface water che­
mistry, climate, and height above the water surface are the most influential gradients distinguishing be­
tween stand groups and indicator species. Response surfaces are generated for 31 indicator species along
three gradients: pH, height above the water table, and climate as determined by calculating an aridity
index.
Hyperoceanic , oceanic , and suboceanic fens and bogs are characterized by Sphagnum tenellum. S. austi­
nii, S. rubellum, S. papil/osum, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, and Racomitrium lanuginosum.
Continental fens and bogs are, in general. characterized by Aulacomnium palustre. These continental
mires are further classified into neutral and acidic fens (and bogs) characterized by Sphagnum warnstorjii
and wet, extreme-rich fens having Calliergon trijarium, Scorpidium scorpioides. Drepanocladus revol­
vens and Campylium stellatum as indicator species . Sphagnum-dominated fens and bogs are dominated
by S. magellanicum. S. angustijolium and S. /uscum. Further divisions of the stand classification recog­
nized wet poor fens with Sphagnum riparium and S. jensenii; dry fens and bogs with Polytrichum stric­
tum, Dicranum undulatum, and Drepanocladus uncinatus; dry poor fens and bogs with Pleurozium
schreberi; dry rich/ens with Tomenthypnum nitens, and moderate-rich fens with such indicators as Dre­
panocladus aduncus, D. polycarpus. and D. vernicosus.
Response surfaces quantify the abundances of individual species along several gradients and are an effi­
cient means of determining responses of bryophyte species to various chemical and physical gradients
over a broad cimatic regime.
Introduction
Bryophytes are important components of peatland vegetation and in some mire
types may dominate all other vegetation. In such oligotrophic acid mires as bogs and
poor fens, bryophytes and, in particular, Sphagnum species almost completely cover
the peat surface (Sjors 1963, Moore & Bellamy 1 974, Horton et al. 1 979, Gauthier
1980, Crum 1988). Because of their water holding capabilities and production of
H + ions, species of Sphagnum are vital in maintaining high water levels and low
pHs that are characteristic of these ecosystems (Clymo 1964, 1 967, Hemond 1980,
Clymo & Hayward 1982, Hayward & Clymo 1983, Rydin 1985, Rydin & McDonald
1985). In more mesotrophic and alkaline peatlands (rich fens), sedges and other
grassy species, as well as bryophytes, characterize the vegetation (Slack et al. 1 980,
Karlin & Bliss 1984, Chee & Vitt 1990). Bryophytes may be as abundant in these
mires as they are in poor fens and bogs, and play a critical role in nutrient cycling
in the ecosystems (Vitt 1 990). Sphagnum species are much less conspicuous in these
peatlands, and may be completely absent in those having circumneutral and higher
pHs (Slack et at. 1980, Chee & Viu 1990). Other bryophytes, principally brown mos­
ses, that are more tolt'iant of high alkalinity and calcium concentrations, are com­
mon in these rich fer.>.
The presence, absenCe, and abundance of many bryophyte species have been exten­
sively used to define peatland plant communities or associations (Du Rietz 1 949,
1954, Sjors 1948, Dansereau & Segadas-Vianna 1952, Ruuhijllrvi 1 960, Eurola 1 962,
Gauthier 1 980, Vitt et al. 1975, Slack et al. 1 980, Chee & Vitt 1 990). The plant com­
munities have also been characterized by surface water chemistry variables and
depth to the water table (Sjors 1952, 1 963, Gorham 1956, Gorham & Pearsall 1956).
Characteristic or indicator species of these communities are also defined by these
variables and thus become not only indicators of the communities but also of ecolo­
gical variables (Jeglum 1 97 1 , Pakarinen 1979, Vitt & Slack 1984). Niche and habitat
analyses of Sphagnum species have shown that many of these species have remark­
ably high fidelities to such surface water chemistry parameters as pH, conductivity,
and Ca++ and Mg++ concentrations, as well as depth to the water table (Vitt et
at. 1 975, Vitt & Slack 1 975, Horton et al. 1 979, Gauthier 1980, Andrus et al. 1983,
Vitt & Slack 1984, Gignac & Vitt 1 990, Viu et al. 1990). However, the indicator
value of a characteristic species is: I) only useful within its geographic range (Chee
& Vitt 1990); and 2) may change with regional variation in ecological variables and
community structure (pakarinen 1 979). Thus, large scale geographical studies may
provide more useful indicators of the vegetation and environmental gradients than
regional analyses.
Within the past 20 years, several studies have described plant communities found
on a wide variety of peatlands in western Canada (Jeglum 1971, 1 972, 1973, Vitt
et al. 1975, Zoltai et al. 1 975, Horton et al. 1 979, Slack et al. 1980, Zoltai & Pollett
1983, Banner et al. 1 986, Banner et al. 1988, Zoltai 1988, Zoltai et al. 1 988, Roche­
fort & Vitt 1988, Kubiw et al. 1989, Chee & Vitt 1990, Gignac & Vitt 1 990, Nichol­
son & Vitt 199Oa, b). Some of these studies have also described the distribution and
abundance of the more important bryophyte species within the communities (Hor-
28
ton et al. 1979, Slack et al. 1980, Chee & Vitt 1 990). However, most of these studies
were limited to relatively small areas and focussed on the effects of local environ­
mental variables on peatland vegetation. These local gradients include: surface
water chemistry, height relative to the water table, and shade. Since there is little
climatic variation within these relatively small geographic areas, effects of climate
on community structure and on individual species distributions were not included.
Most studies covering broad geographic areas in western Canada have focussed on
producing an inventory of the various types of peatlands found in those areas and
describing plants characteristic of them (Zoltai et al. 1975, Zoltai & Pollett 1 983,
Banner et al. 1986, Banner et al. 1 988, Zoltai et al. 1988). Although a climatic gra­
dient was implicit in these regional studies, their main orientation was towards mire
classification or the analysis of the effects of such local environmental variables as
surface water chemistry and height above the water surface on the vegetation.
Several studies have shown that peatland development and the distribution of dif­
ferent mire complexes are a function of the climate (SjOrs 1 948, Eurola 1962, Moore
& Bellamy 1974, Damman 1 977, 1 979). Furthermore, most taxonomic studies o f
peatland bryophytes indicate that climate plays a n important role in limiting the
geographic distribution of each species (Vitt & Andrus 1 977, Andrus 1980, Janssens
1 983). Thus local or small scale regional gradients that limit species abundances and
distribution may be overshadowed by climate. Gignac & Vitt (1990) demonstrated
that climate and surface water chemistry were the most important gradients limiting
the abundance and distribution of Sphagnum species in western Canada. They also
showed that climate and surface water chemistry were highly negatively correlated
and that pH, conductivity, and Ca++ concentrations in the surface water generally
increased as rainfall and length of the growing season decreased from coastal to con­
tinental peatlands in western Canada. Since effects of climate cannot be clearly sep­
arated from those of surface water chemistry, any study of climatic effects on peat­
land vegetation and species distributions in western Canada must also include sur­
face water chemistry variables.
Previous studies of bryophyte species niches or ecotopes (sensu Whittaker et al.
1 983) along several ecological gradients have graphically presented abundance data
either as a series of histograms (Watson 1981, Slack 1977, 1982, 1982, Vitt & Slack
1 984) or as smoothed curves (V itt et al. 1975, Slack et al. 1 980, Slack & Glime 1985),
where each gradient is treated separately. Although these methods effectively repre­
sent the data, they do not show interrelationships either between gradients or be­
tween species. Two-dimensional niche analyses have in general produced rectangles
or ellipsoids, each representing a different species on one graphic, thus providing
valuable ecological information on relationships between species (Watson 1 98 1 ,
Shaw 1 982, Slack 1982, Dierssen 1 983, Vitt & Slack 1 984, Daniels & Eddy 1985, Gig­
nac 1 987). However, rectangles and ellipsoids do not accurately portray species
niches along each gradient, since they assume that: 1) species abundances are sym­
metrical about a mean, and 2) there are no interactions between gradients. Both as­
sumptions are either wrong, or never adequately tested (Watson 198 1 , Jongman et
al. 1987).
29
An alternative method of presenting species niche dimensions is to plot species re­
sponse surfaces along several gradients simultaneously (Gignac et aI. 1 991). This
method takes into account the combined effects of two or more gradients on species
abundances and for this reason is more accurate than using rectangles to delimit spe­
cies niches. Although this method cannot be universally applied since it requires a
relatively large data b2.se, it is useful for the more abundant indicator species. In
this study, three-dimel·sional response surfaces along three important gradients are
generated for importaut species and are used to delimit species ecotopes along those
gradients.
The objectives of this study are to: I) distinguish between different communities
found in peatlands of western Canada by grouping similar communities based on
bryophyte species abundances; 2) select characteristic (indicator) species for each
community group; 3) quantify indicator species ecotopes along climatic, physical,
and chemical gradients simultaneously using response surfaces.
Study area
The study area in western Canada includes the central and northern portions of Brit­
ish Columbia (including the Queen Charlotte Islands), Alberta, Saskatchewan, and
Manitoba, as well as the lowest easternmost corner of Manitoba (Fig. 1 ). This vast
geographical area encompasses a wide variety of landforms that include three major
mountain ranges and several more topographically homogeneous areas. The study
area is bounded to the west by the Coast Mountains, including the Queen Charlotte
M ountains, that have elevations between 1 ,500 and 3,000 m, and parallel the coast
line (Banner et aL 1988), and to the east and northeast by the Canadian Shield, a
peneplain composed of rounded hills having a local relief of less than 1 00 m (Zoltai
et al. 1988). The Canadian Shield forms an arc from the northeastern corner of Al­
berta the southeastern corner of Manitoba. The two remaining mountain ranges are
found in British Columbia and also parallel the coast line. The Hazelton Mountains
are adjacent to the Coast Mountains while the Rocky Mountains are on the eastern
side of British Columbia. Elevations reach 2,700 m in the Hazelton Mountains and
3,900 m in the Rocky Mountains (Holland 1964). Topographically flatter areas are
found between these landforms and include: the Hecate Depression, the Nechako
Plateau and Plain, and the Interior Plains (Gignac & Vitt 1 990).
The Queen Charlotte Mountains are separated from the Coast Mountains by the
ocean-filled Hecate Depression. The terrestrial lowlands of the Hecate Depression
include the Queen Charlotte Lowland and several geographically isolated areas on
the fringe of the mainland and some of the offshore islands. Elevations in these low­
lands are generally below 150 m (Banner et aL 1988). The Netchako Plateau and
Plain are found between the Hazelton Mountains and the Rocky Mountains and lie
between 1 ,230 and 1 , 500 m above sea level (Holland 1 964). The Interior Plains
stretch eastward from the Rocky Mountains Foothills to the Canadian Shield and
are divided into three parts based on the elevation of the underlying bedrock: 1) the
Alberta High Plain (elevation 610-1 ,600 m); 2) the Saskatchewan Plain (elevation
3 20-610 m); 3) the Manitoba Lowland (elevation 220-335 m) (Adams 1988).
10
Figure 1 . Location of the 393 stands studied in western Canada. Ecoclimatic regions are: Gp = prairie
grassland; GC D = cordilleran grassland; C B = boreal coniferous; CC D = cordilleran coniferous; CCO
= coastal coniferous; S
L = low subarctic.
The geomorphology of these landforms is also quite varied. The portions of the
Queen Charlotte, Coast, and Hazelton Mountains that are within the study area,
and the Canadian Shield are mostly granitic. Granitic bedrock and the soil parent
material that is derived from it produce soils that are low in nutrients and CaC03
levels. However, pockets of glacio -lacustrine deposits derived from other sources
may occasionally occur in those areas and these deposits can contain higher nutrient
levels and CaC031eveis (Zo!tai 1965). The Rocky Mountains, Nechako Plateau and
Plain, and Interior Plains are underlain by sedimentary sandstone, limestone, shale,
dolomite, and/or coal that are covered by glacial, lacustrine, of fluvial materials
(Allan 1943, Green 1 972). Surficial materials generally contain high levels of nu­
trients and CaC03 contents are normally very high (Smith et a!. 1 975). However,
in some areas CaC031eveis may vary depending on the bedrock from which the soils
were formed.
The climate ranges from maritime temperate humid with relatively cool summer
temperatures and no long periods of drought along the windward side of the Coast
Mountains, to subarctic in isolated pockets in northern Alberta, in northeastern Sas­
katchewan, and in northern Manitoba (Zoltai et a!. 1988). A continental, subarctic
climate is characteristic by cold winters and short cool summers with extended
periods having little precipitation during the growing season. Climatic changes oc­
cur abruptly on the western edge of British Columbia because of the effects of the
Coast and Hazelton Mountains on the Pacific air masses as they move eastward.
31
East of the Hazelton Mountains, temperature and precipitation gradients are rela­
tively small and the climate can be characterised as either subcontinental or conti­
nental with cold winters and warm summers (Ecoregions Working Group 1 989).
Within the subcontinental region, there is a north-south temperature gradient and
an east-west precipitation gradient where the west has lower precipitation than the
east.
Materials and methods
Study sites
Three-hundred and ninety-three stands were studied on 335 peatlands between 1975 and 1989 (Table I).
In this study. peatlands are defined as wetlands having a minimum accumulation of 40 em of peat and
a water table that is at or near the peat surface for most of the growing season. Study sites having two
or more distinctly different vegetation patterns were divided into stands. All types of peatlands were stu­
died including: bogs. poor and rich fens. swamps and some marshes. At least one releve or several quad­
rats were taken for each different stand that was present at each site. Based on the Canadian Regional
Wetland Classification system (Zoltai 1988 ), study sites are located in the following wetland regions: I )
British Columbia: Oceanic, Oceanic Mountain, and Mid-Boreal; 2 ) Alberta: High. and Mid-Boreal, and
Subarctic; 3) Saskatchewan: High- and Mid-Boreal; 4) Manitoba: High-. Mid-. and Low-Boreal.
Generalized location. number of �ds studied by each source, sampling
year. and vegetation sampling method for 93 stands in western Canada.
Table 1.
LocaIion
Number
CenIra1 Alberta
Northern Alberta
CenIra1 Alberta
1
2
7
1
55
!1J
6
Yukoo
CenIraI Alberta
CenIra1 Manitoba
CoasIaI British Columbia
Southern Manitoba
CenIra1 Alberta
CenIra1 Saskatchewan
CenIra1 Alberta
Nor1hem Alberta
CoasIaI British Columbia
CenIraI British Columbia
CenIra1 Alberta
CenIra1 Alberta
Nor1hem Alberta
CenIraI Alberta
Nor1hem Alberta
Meteorological
65
14
"Ki
2
1
10
0
4
1
1
63
9
Source
Yea-
Vitteta!. 1975
Horton eta!. 1979
Slaclt eta!. 1980
1974
1976
1976
Horton(un�
1918
ZoItai &: J
unpub
1981
ZoItai .t. Johnson unjlubl 1982
Vittetal.l990
1983
Zoltai .t. Johnson (unpubl) 1983
Chee.t. Vittl990
1984
Zoltai .t. Jolmson (unpubl) 1984
Kubiw et a!. 1989
1984-85
Nicholson .t. Vilt 1990b
1984-85
Gignac .t. Vilt 1990
1985-87
1986
Gignac .t. Vilt 1990
Gignac .t. Vilt 1990
1986
1986
RoChefort .t. Vilt 1988
Nicholso n ��bl)
1988
itt 19908
1988-89
Nicholson
Zoltai .t. Johnson (unpubl) 1989
�
R
MeIhod
quadrat
quadrat
quadrat
meve
ldev6
JeIcve
JeIcve
JeIcve
quadrat
meve
JeIcve
JeIcve
quadrat
quadrat
quadrat
quadrat
JeIcve
JeIcve
JeIcve
variables
MeteorOlogical data w�s obtained from 3O-year means (1951- 1980) measured at the nearest permanent
weather station to each site (Anonymous 19818, b, 1986) (Table 11). The following variables were calcu·
lated for each station: I) Length of growing season (OS), calculated as the number of days having mean
temperatures above ZOC; 2) Precipitation (P). calculated as the total amount of rainfall during the grow­
ing season; 3) biotemperature (Bt), which is the summation of mean monthly temperatures above 2°C
divided by 12 (Tuhkanen 1980, 1984). A temperature threshold of 2°C was used to calculate each vari·
able. since there is no measureable amount growth for mosses below that temperature (OUme 1982). An
aridity index (AI) was calculated as:
AI=
P
---
T +lO
where T is the mean annual temperature.
Vegetation sampling
Bryophyte abundance was estimated as percentage cover by the canopy method (Daubenmire 1959. Vilt
et al. 1915) for each stand present on a site. Quadrat sizes and sampling designs are as follows: 25 X 25
cm restricted random (Vilt et al. 1915. Horton et al. 1919. Slack et a1. 1980. Chee & Vilt 1990); 50x 100
cm systematic (Gignac & Vilt 1990); I x I m systematic (Rochefort & Vilt 1988). Releve sizes and samp­
ling techniques also varied: 3 (6 x 6 m) random (Nicholson & Vilt 199Ob); SO m diameter circular random
(Nicholson & Vilt 19903. Kubiw et al. 1989); systematic by stand (Zoltai & Johnson unpublished). Of
the 110 bryophyte species found in this study. the ninety most abundant are reported here. Nomenclature
follows Ireland et a1. 1981. with the exception of Sphagnum austinii (Andrus 1987) and Sphagnum pacifi­
cum (Flatberg 1989).
Environmental variables
Water samples were collected for each stand. either from surface water in natural depressions or. where
no surface water was available. from the water that accumulated in shallow pits dug in the peat. pH
measurements were taken either in situ by inserting the probe directly into the surface water. or from
water samples shortly after they were collected. Conductivity was also measured shortly after sampling.
and calculated as corrected conductivity (kcorr ) by correcting to 20·C and for H + ions (Sjllrs 1952).
Elemental concentrations (Ca. Mg. Na. K) were measured in each water sample either on an atomic ab­
sortion spectrophotometer or on an inductively coupled argon plasma spectrophotometer. For the purpo­
ses of this study. elemental concentration units are reported as mg I- I.
The height of moss plants above the water surface was also determined for each stand. Height measure­
ments were either taken directly be measuring the distance from the surface water to the top of the moss
plants or peat surface (Gignac and Vilt 1990. Zoltai & Johnson unpUblished) or indirectly by assigning
a microtopographc category to a Quadrat or releve (Chee & Vilt 1990). Microtopographic categories were
based on decimetre classes from -I to 9 where - I = 0 to 10 cm below the surface of the water and 9 =
90 to 100 cm above the surface water. Height measurements that were taken directly were rounded to
the nearest decimeter.
Water levels vary from year to year and may fluctuate up to 1.5 dm between spring runoff and summer
drought conditions (0kland 1989). Measurement of height above the water surface are also affected by
the amount of rain that has fallen prior to sampling and the length of time between sampling and rain
events. Since water level fluctuations are specific to each peatland. accurate water level measurements
require sampling each study site several times over the course of several years. However. because of the
distances involved and the large numbers of sites. height above the water surface measurements were tak­
en only once. usually during the summer. and seasonal variations were not recorded. Undoubtedly.
height measurements would have been much more accurate if they were corrected to the same distance
below the high water mark on each site. However. because of the lack of seasonal data. no altempt was
made to correct for yearly water level fluctuations. fluctuations during the summer. or yearly differences.
As a result. species response surfaces may be wider along the height gradient than if the measurements
had been corrected to the same level on each site.
Data analyses
Species abundances were subjected to a TWINSPAN analysis. a divisive hierarchial method the produces
a two-way clasification of species and stands (Hill 1919). This analysis also identifies species that are
diagnostic of each stand division in the classification (indicator species). Species abundances and environ­
mental and climatic variables were ordinated simultaneously using a detrended canonical correspondence
analysis (DCCA) (ter Braak 1981). All 110 species were used in both analyses.
Three-dimensional response surfaces are generated for indicator species along climatic, surface water
chemistry, and depth to the water table gradients. Response surfaces are produced by gridding observed
33
abundance data using distance-weighted means (Gignac et at. 1991). This method also sets outlier abun­
dance values using distance-weighted means. Other results of the smoothing process are to: I) interpolate
abundance values within species ranges, thus filling sampling gaps; 2) extrapolate species ranges by one
grid node along all three gradients.
All computations and statistical analyses were done on a microcomputer using the Statistical Analysis
System (SAS) package. Three-dimensional response surfaces were graphed using Proc G3D from SAS
graph.
Table II. Location of !he 98 �t weather stations in western canada from which
meteorological data was obtilined_ Climatic variables are: length of growing season in
days (GS); biotemperature in "C (Bt); IOtaI JRCipitation during !he growing season in
mm' aridity index in mm "C"I (AI); c:1imafc lDIIC (Z). Climate zones are as follows:
I = hyperoceanic; 2 = oceanic; 3 = suboceanic; 4 = subcontinental; 5 = continental.
Weather station
Bonilla Island, B.C.
Prince Rupert A,B.C.
Prince Rupert Mont Cin:
Prince Rupert
Prince Rupert
Prince Rupert hawadans
Falls River, B.C.
Pon Clements, B.C.
Masset, B.C.
Tlell,B.C.
Sandspit. B.C.
Kitimat,B.C.
Kitimat 2
Bella Coola,B.C.
Rosswood. B.C.
Terrace,B.C.
TenaceA.
Prince George,B.C.
Dome Creek. B.C.
Mount Robson Ranch, B.C.
Tapley Landing, B.C.
HaZelton, B.C.
Fort St-James, B.C.
Mcbride. B.C.
Watson Lake,Yuk.
Assumption,Alia
�Alla
NotikewlO,Alia
Hinton,Alia
Peace River,Alia
Valleyview RS,Alia
Fabler,Alia
Robb,Al1a
Ed.wn,AlIa
Nordegg,Alia
WhiteCOwt. Alia
Kinuso, Alia
Prairie CreeIc,Alia
Wap:r, Alia
Moon Lake. Alia
Fan Assiniboine,Alia
Rock}' Mountain House, Alia
Slave Lake. Alia
Glenevis, Alia
Vega,Alia
Edmonton Stoney Plain, Alia
Smi1h,A11a
Cross Lake, Alia
A
1a
Meanook S, Alia
Calling Lake. Alia
�
�
Locality
GS
53"30'N \30038'W 36S
S4°18'N 130"26'W 302
S4°19'N 130"26'W 346
S4°17'N 130023'W 347
S4°1S'N l3O"2O'W 302
S4OZ0'N 13O"15'W 346
53°59'N 129°44'W 297
53°41'N 132°llW 315
S4002'N 132°08'W 326
53OZ9'N 131°S6'W 335
53°15'N 131°49W 36S
S4003'N 128°42'W 242
S4000'N 128°42'W 251
52OZ2'N 126°41'W 267
54°51'N 128°4S'W Z26
S4"JO'N 128°37'W 241
S4"28'N 128°35'W 231
53°53'N 122°4O'W 20S
53°44'N IZOO59'W 20S
53001'N 119°14'W 196
S4°59'N 126°10'W 194
SS012'N 127°44'W 220
S4OZ7'N 124°15'W 197
53°16'N 120009'W 212
60007'N 128°49'W 165
58°42'N 118°41'W 178
53OZ2'N 117°42'W 195
57001'N 117°34W 182
53OZ5'N 117°34 'W 196
S6°14'N 117°26'W 189
55004'N 1I7°16W 200
55°44'N 117°12'W 190
53°14'N I J6058'W 188
53"35'N 1160Z7'W 188
52OZ9'N 116005'W ISS
S400s'N 11S"4O'W 191
55OZ0'N 115°26'W 194
5Z015'N 11S"18'W In
55OZI'N 114°59'W 188
53OZ8'N 1l4"59'W 194
S4OZ2'N 1l4"55'W 187
52OZ3'N 114°55'W 197
55°17'N 114°46'W 191
53°48'N 114°3 rw 196
54OZ4'N 1l4"23'W 194
53°33'N 114006W 198
55°10'N lWOZ'W 187
54°38'N 113°S4'W 188
S4°49'N I W32W 195
S4"37'N 1130zrW 196
55°15'N 113°11'W 193
34
Bt
Ptec:ip
/>J
8.0
6.7
7.4
7.4
6.7
7.4
6.7
7.5
7.1
7.4
7.9
7.0
7.3
7.8
6.6
7.1
6.8
5.5
5.5
5.2
5.2
6.1
5.5
6.3
4.6
5.3
5.3
5.5
5.4
5.7
6.1
5.8
4.9
5.1
4.3
5.5
5.8
4.3
5.5
5.7
5.6
5.8
5.7
5.8
6.0
6.2
5.6
5.4
6.1
6.2
5.6
2041.0
2369.0
2334.9
2334.9
2185.3
2957.9
3358.7
1328.2
1237.8
1091.2
1199.7
1282.0
1253.0
1092.0
so1.3
564.7
605.1
473.9
473.9
285.8
267.8
320.8
266.1
330.9
216.2
275.4
341.2
251.5
388.0
252.0
326.6
294.9
413.3
386.0
382.1
385.4
357.0
422.4
306.2
380.0
356.3
385.8
340.2
379.9
389.4
380.3
359.2
377.7
346.4
354.0
353.2
113.3
151.1
180.1
138.1
178.6
170.0
178.7
82.1
78.0
62.7
67.0
78.2
77.1
81.4
52.6
58.0
58.8
40.4
40.5
41.0
22.9
27.4
23.6
28.6
27.1
35.8
28.S
28.5
31.3
25.1
29.6
28.1
36.2
36.1
35.8
35.3
33.6
42.2
30.1
32.8
33.1
30.9
32.2
32.7
33.7
32.3
35.6
38.5
30.9
30.0
34.6
Z
I
I
I
1
1
I
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
Wtalber station
Fort Sasblcbcwan Alta
W anderin g River, Ahi
Lac La BiChe. Alta
Fort Smilil, N.W.T.
Fort MtMunay,Alta
Cold LaIce, Alta
DorinIOSh. Sask.
Buffalo Nanows, SasIc.
Meadow Lab:, Sask.
Wastesiu Lab:, Sask.
La Rooge A. Sask.
SlIOwdCII. Sask.
Choiceland. SasIc.
Somme, SasIc.
Flin FIon CFB. Sask;
Prarie River. Sask.
r!/ Sask.
Hudson Bay. Sask.
Island F
Cumberlan House. Sask
FUn Ron. Man
COle. Sask.
�uia.Man.
Wariless. Man.
Swan River. Man.
The Pas, Man.
The Pas A. Man.
Birch River.Man.
Rill Ron A.
Pine River.Man.
Grand Rapids.Man.
Wabowden. Man.
Cross Lake, Man.
Norway House. Man.
Hodgson. Man.
ArbOurg. Man.
�Falls
.Man
, Man.
Beausejour, Man.
real
FaIcQn Lake.Man.
Bisset. Man.
Pine Dock, Man.
Steinbach, Man.
Beausejour (2).
Pine Falls. Man.
PinaW� Man.
Seven isters FaDs. Man.
Whilel1loulil Lake. Man.
Sptague. Man.
Iridian Bay. Man.
Locality
53°43'N
S5°12'N
S4°46'N
6()OO1 'N
S6"l9'N
S4"2S'N
S4°19'N
55°51'N
S4008'N
53°55'N
55009'N
53"l2'N
53°3O'N
52'36'N
S4°32'N
52°52'N
S2°SI'N
Sso32'N
S3°58'N
S4°48'N
Sl°31'N
S3°43'N
S4°11'N
5200TN
S3°49'N
53°S8'N
S2"2TN
S4°41'N
Slo46'N
S3°11'N
S4°SS'N
S4°3m
S4"OO'N
SI°11'N
s00S 9'N
SOOO4'N
49'39'N
SO"28'N
49°41'N
SI002'N
SI°4O'N
SI"27'N
SOOOTN
s0034'N
sool1'N
SOOO7'N
49°1TN
49"02'N
49"l7'N
113°11'W
112"3O'W
lllOS8'W
111°S7'W
lllol3'W
1l0"11'W
108"42'W
1(J802g'W
108"26'W
10600S'W
10s015'W
104°41'W
104"29'W
103"OO'W
102°S4'W
10'2"49'W
102"24'W
102"21'W
10'2"18'W
101oSl'W
10Io48'W
101"lS'W
101"21'W
10lo16'W
10101S'W
1010Q6'W
l00"S9'W
l00"41'W
l00"19'W
WI6'W
98"3&'W
98"02'W
97"48'W
91"21'W
970Q6'W
96"lI'W
96°1S'W
96"OO'W
9S"23'W
9S°4O'W
96°S1'W
98"48'W
96"3O'W
96°13'W
96003'W
96001'W
9so4S'W
9S"l8'W
9so12'W
GS
Bt
:m
6.6
6.0
6.0
5.0
5.8
6.2
1.0
5.1
6.4
5.6
5.6
6.0
6.1
6.3
5.8
5.1
6.0
S.3
6.2
6.0
6.S
S.9
S.6
6.S
6.1
S.8
6.2
S.8
6.8
S.1
5.2
5.6
5.9
6.3
6.5
7.1
7.1
1.2
6.7
6.5
6.4
7.2
7.0
7.0
6.8
7.1
7.0
6.7
6.8
189
193
162
186
193
188
ISS
189
1&4
181
1&4
ISS
189
lllO
182
187
113
179
181
189
182
181
190
183
lllO
189
179
196
178
110
110
113
188
190
197
197
197
195
190
190
197
196
196
195
197
197
196
194
Precip
318.3
354.2
365.6
202.1
327.4
332.0
349.6
293.4
315.5
310.1
354.8
213.0
309.5
311.0
319.4
318.4
313.8
341.9
281.3
324.8
292.8
326.6
304.3
325.8
320.8
302.3
284.9
300.S
368.8
293.7
301.9
302.3
271.S
344.5
340.8
37S.2
396.2
343.9
387.9
400.0
409.2
405.1
411.5
41S.7
402.8
405.8
410.1
440.3
426.1
/>l
26.5
34.1
33.1
32.1
34.0
30.1
32.3
31.3
30.4
32.1
39.8
29.3
32.2
31.3
35.1
35.1
32.2
33.8
30.S
34.3
28.6
37.0
3S.9
31.3
34.9
33.S
29.1
34.1
32.6
33.0
40.4
31.3
34.9
36.4
36.0
31.S
31.6
28.9
34.6
40.2
41.0
34.2
37.5
37.0
3S.8
34.4
35.3
38.3
37.8
Z
5
5
5
5
5
5
S
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
S
S
S
5
5
5
5
5
S
S
S
S
5
5
S
5
5
5
S
S
S
S
S
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Results
Climatic variables
'
The length of the growing season decreases from over 300 days in coastal British
Columbia to less than ISO days in northern Manitoba (Fig. 2). This east-west gra­
dient overshadows a smaller north-south gradient in continental areas where the
length of the growing season decreases from approximately 200 days to ISO or less.
Precipitation during the growing season also shows a strong east-west gradient. with
amounts decreasing from more than 3000 mm to less than 200 mm (Fig. 3). The
35
north-south gradient in continental areas is more complex: 1) in eastern British Co­
lumbia. Alberta. and Saskatchewan. precipitation is approximately 200 mm in the
south. increases to over 300 mm in the central areas and decreases again to approxi­
mately 200 in the northern portions of those provinces: 2) in Manitoba precipitation
decreases from north to south. Both east-west and north-south gradients are again
prevalent for biotemperature. but the south to north gradient is more important
than the east-west gradient. The biotemperature decreases south to north from 1 0
to 6°C i n continental areas.
The aridity index is more complex than the other climatic variables. combining both
temperature and precipitation factors. Index values decrease from coastal British
Columbia to Alberta then increase to eastern Manitoba (Fig. 5). Values also increase
from southern Alberta to northeastern Manitoba. An aridity index value of 20 mm
°C - I in the southern portion of the study area roughly coincides with the Great
Plains semiarid and 10..... elevation Cordilleran grasslands (Fig. 1). A value of 30 mm
°C -I in the southern areas approximately the transitional grassland and the conifer­
ous forest. This line aiso indicates the southern limit of peatiand formation in we­
stern Canada (Zoltai 1975). The index value of 50 in northern Manitoba and north­
eastern Saskatchewan coincides with the low subarctic ecological region.
Figures 2-5. lsopleths of four climatic variables plotted for western Canada. - 2. Length of growing sea­
son (days). - 3. Precipitation during growing season (mm). - 4. Biotemperature (0C). - S. Aridity index
(mm OC-I).
Based on length of growing season and precipitation during the growing season, the
climate in the study area can be divided into 5 zones (Table II). Hyperoceanic areas
have growing seasons of 300 or more days, and over 2,000 mm of precipitation.
Oceanic areas also have growing seasons over 300 days, but less precipitation ( 1 000
to 1600 mm). Suboceanic areas have growing seasons between 200 and 280 days and
over 1 000 mil) of precipitation. The subcontinental zone has more than 190 growing
days and between 400 and 700 mm of precipitation. Continental areas have less than
400 mm of. rain during the growing season.
Chemical variables
Water chemistry variables vary widely between sites and climatic zones (Table Ill).
With the exception of Na and K concentrations, mean values for all chemical vari­
ables are higher in subcontinental and continental areas than for the other climatic
zones. Mean Na concentrations are highest in oceanic areas, while K concentrations
are highest in suboceanic areas. pH and Ca values ranges from 3.7 to 6.9, and 0.05
to 14.81 mg I- I in hyperoceanic areas. In oceanic areas, pH and Ca values range
from 4.1 to 4.5, and 0.25 to 1 .27 mg I- I . In the suboceanic climate zone, pH values
are constant at approximately 5 . 1 and Ca concentrations range from 0.66 to 4. 1 1
mg I- I . These narrow pH and Ca ranges are related to the small number of study
sites in the suboceanic zone. In subcontinental and continental areas, minimum pH
(3.0) and Ca concentrations (0.01 mg H are slightly lower and maximum pH (8.2)
and Ca (146.61 mg I- I ) are higher than in any other climate zone.
Among the chemical variables analysed in surface water, pH, Kcorr, Ca and Mg val­
ues are highly significantly correlated (p>O.OOI) (Table IV). These variables are sig­
nificantly negatively correlated (p<O.OS) with such climatic variable as growing sea­
son, precipitation, and aridity index. Sodium is not significantly correlated with Ca
and Mg (p<O.OS). All climatic variables are highly significantly correlated
(p<O.OOI), however correlation coefficients are highest for the relationship between
precipitation, growing season, and aridity index.
Table III. Mean ± SIaIIdard deviation for pH. com:cled conductivity , kcorr (IJS). and
elemental concenlllllions (mg 1,1) for surface water collected from 393 stands in western
Canada. CIimaIe zones are: 1 .. byperoceanic; 2 .. oceanic: 3. suboceanic: 4 =
subcontinental; S. conlinental. n .. number of sites within each climate zone.
zme
pH
talT
1 s.2±l.o 25.0£18.9
2
3
4
S
4.2±O.1
S.l±O.l
S.7±l.1
S.7±1.1
01
f>i
NIl
K
n
O.81±1.26 0.46±O.23 2.23±O.86 O.I5±O.29 :&
1.61±O.34 13.96±2.01 O.lS±O.4S
10
82.1±19.1 O.43±O.l7
SO.0±39.3
2.6l±1.77
33S.8±23S.4 2S.48±2S.00
2OS.3±218.S 19.83±23 .91
O.43±O.19 4.06±Z.23 4.22±2.01
9.94±7.08 3.00±1.83 1.4O±O.76
6.S2±7.66 6.1l±22.08 l.SO±2.08
37
3
44
3U1
Table
IV. CmeIaliOll coefficients for relationships between chemical and physical variables obcained
from 393 SI8IIds in ..-.= Canada and climatic daJa obIained from the IIe8Iat � wcaIhcr
station 10 each site.
of growing season;
index. • p < O.OS;
Itcarr .. corrected conductivity; Ht .. height above the water surface; OS -lengdl
BI" biolempemture; p .. precipitation during the growing season; AI .. aridity
,.• P < O.ol;
••• p < 0.001.
pH
�
�
K
HI
OS
Bt
P
)J
0.60···
0.70···
0.68···
0.13
O.IS
.o.21 •
.o.2S •
.o.18
.o.2S •
.o.26 •
Mg
0.80*··
0.83··· 0.79···
0.16
0.18
0.15
0.28··
0.12
.oJ4
'().29 •• .o.23 ·
'()J4
.o.21
.o.24·
.o.31··
.o.32··
.o.2S·
0.17
0.25·
.oJ3
.o.27··
.oJ4
.().28··
.().28··
Na
.o.07
0.04
.o.03
.o.OS
.o.07
K
Il
OS
0.10
.o.09 .o.08
.oJ I 0.14 0.69···
.o.t2 .o.09 0.89···
.oJ I .o.tO 0.85 •••
Bt
0.54 •••
0.49 •••
P
0.98 •••
TWINSPAN and DCCA analyses
The first TWINSPAN division separated the 393 stands into two major groups (1
and a) based on species abundances within each stand. The DCCA ordination of
the stands within each group shows that stands in group I are spread along the posi­
tive side of the first axis while those in group a are compressed within a small area
on the negative side (Fig. 6). Eigenvalues that measure the amount of variation ac. counted for by each of the four DCCA axes are 0.56, 0.20, 0. 10, and 0.02. Since
eigenvalues for the third and fourth axes are relatively low, they are not analysed
further. A Monte Carlo permutation test showed that the first axis is highly statisti­
cally significant (p<O.OO I ). Centroids for environmental and climatic variables that
are used to calculate the first and second DCCA axes are shown in Figure 6. The
tips of the arrows indicate the position of each centroid and length and proximity
to the axes of the arrows show the relative weight of each variable in determining
each axis (ter Braak 1987). Thus, all climatic variables and such chemical variables
as pH and Ca are significantly correlated (p<0.05) to axis 1 . The direction of each
arrow indicates ascending values for each variable. The highest values for climatic
variables are on the right side of the ordination while the highest values for such
chemical variables as pH, Ca, Mg and kcorr are on the left side. Height above the
water surface is the only variable studied that is closely correlated with axis 2. The
greatest height values are at the top of the ordination. Sodium and K are not highly
influential in calculating either axis.
Stand group 1 is arranged on the positive side of the first axis and individual stands
are all relatively close to the first axis and is highly correlated with climatic and
chemical variables. Since the highest values for the climatic variables are associated
with hyperoceanic, oceanic, and suboceanic climatic zones, stands in group 1 are
oceanic peatlands. Further variation along the first axis is attributable to surface wa­
ter chemistry variables. Stands on the positive side of the first DCCA axis have low
pH, kcorr , ea, and Mg concentrations that are characteristic of bogs and extreme­
poor fens (Sjors 1 952) than stands closer to the origin. Stands closer to the origin
1Q
r·····················-·-···-···..············�
400
!
�rICh
Ln
fen.
poor tent
300
[HI
I
i
;
..........................................._.
go
o
!I
I
f
!
200
I
:
:
:
C\I
�
�
ConUnental t.oos &
00
0
1
9
i
111
1, �
f
f
!
!
f····································oceanic················································1
o
o
-200
o
- 400
-200
lmoderale-rlch fens
...
!
t....................... ......... .. .. .... ............... ............ .......... .................3
o
-100
!
s.
bog
treme-poor
fens
I
o
100
200
300
400
500
Axis 1
Figure 6. DCCA ordination of the 393 stands analysed in western Canada. Stand group one (I) is separa·
ted from remaining continental stands (a) - see Fig. 8. Insert: DCCA ordination of climatic and environ­
mental variables. Heads of arrows indicate the coordinates of the centroid for each variable. Parentheses
indicate variables that are significantly correlated (p<O.05) with the first axis. Brackets indicate signifi­
cant correlations with the second axis. Abbreviations are: Ht = height of moss plants above the water
surface; Bt = biotemperature; GS = length of growing season; P = precipitation during growing sea­
son; AI = aridity index; k corr = corrected conductivity; plus standard ionic and elemental abbreviations
(pH, Ca, K, Mg, Na).
have high pH, kcorr, Ca, and Mg values that are associated with rich fens (Sjors
1952). Thus, although stands in group 1 are all found in oceanic areas, they also
ordinate along a water chemistry gradient.
Group a contains 344 stands that are almost exclusively found along the negative
side of the first axis and are thus found in subcontinental and continental areas.
Stands within these climatic zones are also ordinated along a surface water chemis­
try gradient. Stands closer to the origin have relatively low pH, k corr , Ca, and Mg
values and are bogs and poor fens. Stands having high negative values have high
pH, k corr , Ca, and Mg concentrations and are rich fens.
Because of the large number and the distribution of stands in group a, it is difficult
to determine where subsequent TWINSPAN divisions lay on the DCCA ordination,
and as a result, it was also difficult to determine effects of the environmental varia­
bles on stand groups. Therefore, stands in group a were subjected to further TWIN­
SPAN and DCCA analyses in an attempt to clearly demonstrate the effeets of envi­
ronmental and climatic variables on stand groupings and their ordination. The
39
TWINSPAN analysis of continental mires separates the stands into five groups (Fig.
7). 11Ie first separation divides group 6 (eigenvalue
0.62) from the remaining
stands. The next division (eigenvalue
0.48) separates group 5, while the third divi­
sion (eigenvalue
0.33) separates group 2 from the remaining stands. Groups 3 and
4 are separated by the fourth division (eigenvalue
0.29) and are the most similar.
=
=
=
=
Eigenvalues for the four axes resulting from the DCCA analysis of continental
stands are 0.49. 0.23. 0. 1 1 , and 0.04. As is the case for the original DCCA analysis,
eigel1Ylllues for the third and fourth axes are relatively low and are not analysed
further. A Monte Carlo test for the DCCA ordination of continental stands indi­
cates that axis I is highly significant (p<O.O I ). Such chemical variables as pH,
kcorr•• and Mg are significantly correlated (p<O.OS) with the first axis while height
above the water surface (Ht) is significantly correlated with the second axis (Fig. 8).
The directions of the two arrows indicate that the lowest pH. kcorr• and Mg values
are oa the positive side of the first axis and the highest values are on the negative
side. The greatest height above the water surface values are on the positive sides of
both lXes I and 2. Sodium, K. and all climatic variables are not significantly corre­
lated with either the first or second axis.
STAND GROUPS
Rich lens
Figure 1. Dendogram showing the six stand groups resulting from two TWINSPAN analyses of 393
stands ill western Canada. The first TWINSPAN analysis produced stand group 1. The second analysis
dividedlhe remaining 344 continental stands into stand groups 1 to 6. Values. descriptions. and abbrevia­
tions • each division indicate eigenvalues. peat land types. and indicator species. respectively for each
cut level. Abbreviations correspond to the first three letters of species names as listed in Table VI.
'00
400
WeI moderale.nchlens
....
5 �5
55
6
5 �6
515 gs 5 5
6�5 5 5SS� 5 5
6 � tfs5s �� 4
��s%�!�!\4�:���;f
2 �2
lif 5 '5 5 6 5 1
5 4 25
��,,'W'6
22
5'>
200
i
3
0
6
i'ijl'<>
Axis
t
tllccm) -200
Ails 2
��
3
- 200
...
(Mol
Dry
rich fens
C\I
-::=-*"____
__
§
3
.
.
rY poorlens & bogs
WeI poorlens
6
WeI extreme-richlens
-400 T-------�--�--�
- 300
-200
-100
o
100
200
Axis 1
Figure 8. DCCA ordination of the 344 stands analysed in continental western Canada. Stand groups de­
termined from Figure 7. Insert: DCCA ordination of climatic and environmental variables. Heads of ar­
rows indicate the coordinates of the centroid for each variable. Parentheses indicate variables that are
significantly correlated (p<O.05) with the first axis. Brackets indicate significant correlations with the
second axis. Abbreviations are: Ht = height of moss plants above the.water surface; Bt = biotemperatu­
re; GS = length of growing season; P = precipitation during growing season; AI = aridity index; kcorr
= corrected conductivity; see also Fig. 6.
Stand group 2 is mostly arranged on the positive side of the first axis and the nega­
tive side of the second axis. Stands in group 3 are located on the positive side of
the first axis and are tightly grouped along axis 1_ Stand group 4 is found on the
negative side and also straddles the first axis. Stand groups 5 and 6 are also found
on the negative side of the first axis. but stand group 5 is located on the positive
side of the second axis while stand group 6 is on the negative side. There is some
overlap between stand groups 4, 5, and 6, and also between groups 2, 3, and 4 .
Means for water chemistry variables and height above the water surface for each
stand group are shown in Table V. Stand groups 1 and 2 have low pH, Kcorr• Ca,
and Mg concentraions when compared to those for groups 3, 4, 5, and 6. Stand
group 3 has slightly higher pH. Ca. and Mg values than groups 1 and 2. but lower
values than stand groups 4, 5, and 6. Groups 5 and 6 have the highest pH and Na
values and group 4 has the highest Ca values. The mean height for stand group 6
is lower than those for any other group. Group 5 is the next lowest followed by
groups 1, 2, and 4 which have approximately the same height above the water table.
Group 3 has the greatest height above the water surface measurements.
41
Table V. Mean ± standard deviation foe PH. COIRICIed conductivity - kcorr WS), and e1emenlal
concenlJations (mg I-I) in surface water, and height (Ht) above !he water surface (elm) for six stand groups
as delimited by lWINSPAN. n = nmober.
Group
pH
I
2
3
4
S
6
4.8±O.8
4.6±O.S
S.I±O.9
S.9±O.8
6.I±O.7
6.I±O.7
Mg
37±32
9O±91
209±191
350±278
218±2OS
4IS±286
Na
n
K
1.22±2.61
O.72±O.S6 4.66±4.91 O.74±1.22
4.08±8.14
1.33±3.28 3.04±2.73 1.13±I.IS
IS.42±27.3S 4.60±6.46 2.74±4.74 1.69±2.49
28.78±2S.92 IO.70±8.80 4.13±3.87 1.13±I.00
2\.83±21.\6 6.88±S.63 6.SI±IO.SI 1.48±1.66
21.16±2S.SO 12.43±9.47 7.SS±IS.64 1.14±1.91
2.0±1.0
2.0±1.3
3.6±1.2
2.1±O.8
1.7±1.2
O.7±O.6
49
55
91
61
"Xi
!9
Species ordination and indicato r species
Sphagnum species are the most abundant bryophytes on peatlands classified in
stand group 1 . Among these, S. juscum, S. papi/losum, S. rubellum, and S. austinii
are the most abundant (Table VI). Among non-Sphagnum species that occur in this
group. Racomitrium lanuginosum, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Pleurozium schreberi,
and Hylocomium splendens are the most common. Twelve species are found only
in this stand group and the most abundant of these are Sphagnum rubellum, S.
austinii, Racomitrium lanuginosum, S. pacijicum, and S. tenellum.
The most abundant species in stand groups 2 and 3 are also Sphagnum species. In
group 2, these include' S. angustijolium, S. juscum, S. riparium, and S. jensenii.
Sphagnum angustijot:um, S. juscum, and S. magellanicum are abundant in stand
group 3 . Among nml· Sphagnum species. Aulacomnium palustre is the most abun­
dant in group 2, while Pleurozium schreberi, Polytricum strictum. Dicranum poly­
setum, D. undulatum, Pohlia nutans, and Aulacomnium palustre are the most com­
mon in stand group 3. None of the species listed is found exclusively in either or
both of those stand groups.
Tomenthypnum nitens, Sphagnum warnstorjii, and Aulacomnium palustre are the
most abundant species in stand group 4. Other common species are Sphagnum jus­
cum, S. angustijolium, Hylocomium splendens, Dicranum undulatum. Campylium
stellatum and Pleurozium schreberi. The most abundant species found in group 5
are: Aulacomnium palustre, Tomenthypnum nitens, Bryum pseudotriquetrum. Dre­
panoc/adus vernicosus, and Drepanoc/adus aduncus. Campy/ium stellatum. Scorpi­
dium scorpioides, and Drepanoc/adus revolvens are the most abundant in group 6.
Indicator species for stand group 1 are: Sphagnum tenellum. S. papillosum. S. ru­
bellum, S. austinii, Racomitrium lanuginosum, and Rhytidialdelphus loreus. Cen­
troids for indicator species for stand group 1 on the first and second DCCA axes
are shown in Figure 9. Aulacomnium palustre is the indicator species for the first
TWINSPAN division for continental stands (Fig. 7). Sphagnum warnstorfii is the
indicator for the second division, while Sphagnum juscum, S. angustijolium. and
S. magellanicum are indicators for the third division. Polytrichum strictum. Diera­
num undulatum. and Drepanocladus uncinatus are indicators for the fourth divi­
sion. Indicator species for each stand group resulting from the TWINSPAN analysis
of continental stands are as follows: group 2: Sphagnum riparium and S. jensen;;;
42
group 3: P/eurozium sehreberi; group 4: Hypnum pratense and Tomenthypnum ni­
tens; group S: Drepanoc/adus aduneus, D. vernieosus, D. /apponieus, D. po/year­
pus, and Braehythecium mildeanum; group 6 : Campylium stellatum, Calliergon tri­
larium, Seorpidium seorpioides, and Drepanoc/adus revo/vens. Although not
shown on the TWINSP AN analysis, several species are characteristic of both stand
groups Sand ·6 (Table VI). Among these species, some of the more abundant are:
Cine/idium stygium, Meesia triquetra, and Cal/iergon giganteum. Centroids for in­
dicator species for the TWINSP AN divisions of continental stands on the first and
second DCCA axes are shown in Figure 9.
Table VI. Mean abundances for 90 mire bryophyteS in western Canada within 6 SWld
�ps as delimited by TWINSPAN. 3 .. cover values > 50%. + .. abundances of
% or less. - '" absent in stand group.
Slalld Groups
2
f!:.
K�
P� :Ciatum
Loeskypnum wiclcuiae
ha8num subnhens
qmpylopus Q/Tovirens
DiuanMm maius
lphus
E
weus
S
num tenellum
rc::!n
num pafificum
acomitrium ltin'!8inosum
�
gnum austinu
�gnum
rubellum
gnum papillosum
��hagnum
lIainum girgensohnij
�
,um
'
rgii
rohagnum
ro
hagnum mogell¥cum
r;
hagnum rllSSOwll
rohag"um
hagnum rlf1a!ium
r"
/I1O}US
rohagnum
angusdfolium
r"
hagnum /uscum
�
gnum nemoreum
'yliD onomaIa
Tomenlhy�umfalCifolium
Pohlia sp nicOla
Pleurozuun schreberi
Hy/ocomium sp/endens
PiJludella �OSQ
Dicranum polyselum
Plilium cris/Q-castrensis
hagnum oblusum
'}I:;hag"um wuljianum
OhlUl nUlOns
Pol
1wm striClum
gnumjensenii
icranum iutduJaIum
Dr�lodus uncinaIus
Ptagiolhecium /oe/U171
Brach]fhecium salebrosum
1Ia�
numfimbrialum
. " um recognilum
ro
�
W
O .S
0.8
1.0
1.2
1 .7
1.9
2.7
+
+
0.4
1.1
1.2
1 .6
0. 1
0.6
0.1
2.S
l.S
0.1
O.S
0.1
+
-
1 .0
2.2
1 .2
0.4
-
ro
�
4
S
0.6
O .S
6
0.9
0.8
0.1
+
0.7
O.S
0.1
0.3
+
+
+
0.1
0.3
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.8
0.2
0. 1
0.2
0.7
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.1
0.2
O.S
O.S
0.2
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
0.6
0.1
0. 1
0.3
43
0. 1
0.1
1.8
0.7
-
-
+
0.4
0.1
0.2
0.4
+
0.3
+
0.8
1.1
0.1
0.3
0.2
+
+
+
0.8
+
+
+
1.0
2.3
O.S
O.S
0.1
+
M�
M«siauli�dowii
Helodium
Calliugon richordJonii
Aulacomnium pa/uslre
hagnum squarrosum
1Iai"um teres
hagnum warnstorfii
hizomnium ghlbrescens
3
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
0.6
0.7
+
+
+
+
+
0.9
+
+
0.4
+
+
+
+
+
+
0.2
0. 1
0.3
0.1
1.2
0.2
0.2
1 .7
0.2
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
0.3
0.1
1 .2
0.1
0.1
0.4
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
-
0.2
+
+
0.2
+
Slalld Groups
/odus=
D�
.
C
'lOll (;QI\ • 0Iium
Brachyihecium irytlJrorrhizoll
DrepDllOC/odus siitdDteri
�tldtmcus
�
3
4
0. 1
0.1
0.1
+
=i","�
Brac
CIIIIII
DrqKlllOCladMs poJJCfITPus
Plagiomlliuna tMdium
DrepDllOC/odus IDppolticus
DreponocladMs verllicosus
CliMocium dendroides
H'{!.num pralellS£
l' agiomltium e/liplicum
Tomell/hypmun ,.ilellS
Brachy/liedum II.''lidum
I'lagiolhecium .2l11lcu/alum
Hl!,"um lindbergii
R %Omni"':J,St!UdoPunclalum
Bryum pSt!
triquetrum
Drepatiocladus UOIIIu/a
I lus
Sp/iogllum subsecundum
Meesr.a triquetra .
Calliergoll .stramineum
CalHergOIl 5f!allleum
CalHergone cu.rpidata
hagnum cOlllOnum
IJa8num cell/rale
rqHJllOCladMs lundrae
Ditrichumj1exicaule
Distichium =.eum
CalHer II . arium
CalOsc�um ltigrilum
Scorpidium scorpioides
Loes/cypllum boiJium
DrefXlllOC/odus revalvells
Comp1!ium slellalum
CincUdium stygium
Dicranum scoporium
2
+
+
+
-
+
0.1
+
-
0.4
0.2
0.1
0.2
0.1
0. 1
0.1
0. 1
0.2
0.4
+
+
0.1
0.4
+
+
+
0.3
+
+
+
0.1
0. 1
-
0.3
+
0.1
0.2
+
0.2
+
0.2
0. 1
0.3
0.4
l.S
0.1
+
0.2
0. 1
0.6
+
0. 1
0.3
0. 1
0.3
+
+
+
+
+
+
S
6
+
+
+
0.1
0.3
0.7
0.1
0.4
0.2
0.1
0.3
1.3
0.1
0.3
0.4
1 .2
0.2
+
0. 1
+
+
+
+
0.4
+
+
+
+
0.4
0. 1
+
0.2
0.1
1 .8
0.2
1.3
1.6
0.4
0.1
+
+
+
+
+
-
0.5
0.7
0.2
0.2
0.5
+
+
0.1
0.8
0.2
0. 1
O.S
0.1
0.4
0.1
+
+
+
+
0.2
0.1
0.2
+
+
+
+
+
+
Discussion
Relationships between stand ordination and climatic and environmental variables
Aridity index values > 1 00 mm °e- l clearly separate hyperoceanic areas from all
other climatic zones (Table II). However, the aridity index does not distinguish be­
tween oceanic and suboceanic areas, since both zones have values between 60 and
100 mm °e- 1 . This may be due to the small number of suboceanic and oceanic sites
encountered in the study area. These climatic zones are wedged between mountain
ranges and occupy a relatively small surface area that is most inaccessible. For this
reason, the number of study sites located in oceanic and suboceanic areas is small.
The subcontinental zone is characterized by aridity index values between 3S and 60
mm °e -1 , while values for continental areas range from 20 to 42 mm °e- 1 and
slightly overlap those for the subcontinental climate zone. Although the aridity in­
dex does not effectively separate oceanic from suboceanic sites, it can be used to
summarize both temperature and precipitation variables since it is highly significant-
44
50
8ra mil .
• Dre lap
A•• ,
Dre ver •
30
.to
•
.... .
Cal gig • • Dre adu
Mee tri .
10
·10
Tom nit ·
Pla ell -,H
·30
yp pr
Cal tri •
" Sea sea
1
71
•
+-:
' ...
..
Pol str
Aul pal
'" Sph (us
.
. Sph war
_�... .•
.
Dre une .
Cm sty
-c Dre
rev
Sph jen •
f\"
Die und
,""w
,... .... "",, _ .,.".1 ___ .,.
,
PIe seh
�
• Die une
Sph mag
Sph ang
Cam ste
Sph rip •
50 +---.-----.--.,.--.---..·40
·30
·20
o
·1 0
10
20
30
•
Axis 1
Figure 9. DCCA ordination of indicator .pecies for each stand group as determined by the second TWIN­
SPAN anaylsis of 344 continental peatlands. Abbreviations correspond to the first three letters of species
names as listed in Table VI. Insert: indicator species for oceanic stands as determ ined by the TWINSPAN
analysis of all 393 stands in western Canada.
ly correlated to the length of the growing season, biotemperature, and precipitation
(Table IV), and it is also highly influential in calculating the first axis of the DCCA
analysis of all the stands (Fig. 6).
Based on the minimum and maximum pH and Ca concentrations in mire surface
waters (Sjors 1952) for each climatic zone, peatlands in hyperoceanic areas are most­
ly bogs and poor fens with an occasional moderate-rich fen (Gignac & Vitt 1990).
The absence of Scorpidium scorpioides. which is an extreme-rich fen indicator spe·
cies, in the hyperoceanic zone, also suggests that extreme-rich fens are not found
(or are rare) in these areas (Miller 1 980). In oceanic and suboceanic areas, peatlands
are either bogs or poor fens. Rich fens may occur in the unexplored areas within
these zones. In subcontinental and continental areas, peatlands range from bogs and
extreme-poor fens to extreme-rich fens.
Such surface water chemistry variables as pH, Mg and k corr , and to a lesser extent
Ca, are significantly correlated with the first axis resulting from the DCCA ordina­
tion of continental stands. Values for water chemistry variables increase from the
positive to the"negative side of the first axis. Rich fens, characterized by high pH,
Ca, Mg, and kcorr values (Sjors 1 952), have lower values on the first axis than
extreme-poor fens and bogs that are characterized by low pH, Mg, kc"orr , and Ca
values. Based on this analysis, and the results of mean values for ecological variables
(fable V), and groups 2 and 3 are poor fens or bogs, while groups 4, S, and 6 are
rich fens.
4S
Variation in stand position along the second axis resulting from the DCCA analysis
of the continental stands is highly correlated with the height above the water surface
(Fig. 8). Stand position along this gradient is determined by a line drawn at right
angle between the DCCA ordination of that point and the line indicating the height
above the water surface (ter Braak 1 987). Based on this analysis. and the mean
height above the water surface measurements for each stand group (Table V). stands
in group 6 are found closest to the water table. Stands in group 5 occupy the next
highest position followed by stands in groups 2 and 4. Stands in group 3 occupy the
highest position along the height above the water level gradient. Stand group 1 is
found at approximately the same height as groups 2 and4 (Table V).
Stand Groups
Stands in group 1 are separated from stands in group a by the first division resulting
from the TWINSPAN analysis of all the stands. This group is found exclusively on
the positive side of the first DCCA axis which corresponds to hyperoceanic. oceanic.
and suboceanic peatlands (Fig. 6). These oceanic peatlands range from bogs and
extreme-poor fens to moderate-rich fens. Stands in group a are found on the nega­
tive side of the first axis and are located in subcontinental and continental areas.
Further analyses of these continental stands indicate that stand group 6 is separated
from mthe remaining groups by the first division of the TWINSPAN analysis for
continental sites. Stands in this group have high pH. kcorr, Ca, and Mg values that
are associated with extreme-rich fens, and are found close to the water surface.
Stand group 5 is separated from the remaining sites by the second TWINSPAN divi­
sion. Stands in this group have slightly lower values for pH, kcorr , Ca, and Mg
when compared to those in group 6. On the height above the water surface gradient,
stands in group 5 are intermediate between stands in groups 6 and 4. Thus. group
5 contains moderate-rich fens and the second TWINSPAN division separates them
from stand groups 2, 3, and 4 that are either drier or have lower pH, kcorr • Ca,
and Mg values. The most abundant species in stand groups, 2, 3, and 4 are Sphag­
num species while for stand groups 5 and 6 they are brown mosses (Table VI).
Stands in group 2 are separated from those in groups 3 and 4 by the third TWIN­
SPAN division. Stands in this group have low pH. k corr • Ca. and Mg values that
are associated with poor fens. On the height above the water surface gradient, these
stands are found at approximately the same mean height as stands in group 4 but,
more detailed analysis of the standard deviation about the mean (Table V) and
DCCA positions reveal that several stands in group 2 are found closer to the water
surface than any stand in group 4. Thus, stand group 2 contains wet poor fens and
the third TWINSPAN division separates this stand group from the sligtly drier stand
group 4 and the much drier stand group 3.
Stands in group 3 are distinguished from those in group 4 by the fourth TWIN­
SPAN division. Stands in group 3 have lower pH, kcorr , Ca, and Mg values than
those in group 4 and could be considered poor fens. However. stands in this group
have a wider distribution along the first DCCA axis than those in stand group 2 (Fig.
41l
8). The majority stands in group 3 have lower pH, kcorr , Ca, and Mg values than
those in stand group 2 and these are bogs and extreme-poor fens. Stands in group
4 have relatively high pH, k corr , Ca, and Mg values and are rich fens. The fourth
TWINSPAN dividion has thus separated dry rich fens from dry poor fens and bogs.
Indicator species
Hyperoceanic, oceanic, and suboceanic mires
With the exception of Sphagnum papil/osum, species in this group are restricted to
hyperoceanic and oceanic, suboceanic climatic zones in western Canada (Fig. 10).
Sphagnum austinii is found only on hyperoceanic and oceanic peatlands (Gignac
and Vitt 1 990), and is generally the most abundant bryophyte species on these sites.
It has a relatively wide range along both height and pH gradients, particularly in
hyperoceanic (AI
1 26) areas. Sphagnum austinii is found on hummocks that
range in height between 1 and 6 dm above the water table. Maximum cover values
on the height gradient occur closer to the water level in hyperoceanic than in oceanic
areas.
=
Among indicator species for group I, Sphagnum tenellum has the narrowest dis­
tribution along the climatic gradient since it is found only in hyperoceanic areas. It
has a wide distribution along the pH gradient, and maximum abundances occur be­
tween pH 5.2 and 5.8. Sphagnum tenellum does not occur in highly acidic (pH <4. 1 )
habitats, and along with Sphagnum papillosum i s the most minerotrophic of any o f
the indicator species i n group 1. It also has the narrowest distribution along the
height gradient of any of these species. It occurs in hollows between 0 and 1 dm
above the water table.
Sphagnum rubellum also has a relatively narrow range along the height gradient,
but unlike Sphagnum tenel/um, maximum cover values occur between 1 .5 and 2.5
dm above the water surface. Sphagnum rubel/um is found on hyperoceanic and oce­
anic peatlands (Gignac & Vitt 1990) and is generally more abundant on hyperoceanic
sites. Although it occupies a wider range along the pH gradient in hyperoceanic
areas than in oceanic areas, maximum abundances occur between pH values of 4. 1
and 4.5 in both areas.
The two non-Sphagnum indicator species, Rhytidiadelphus loreus and Racomltrium
lanuginosum, have similar distributions along the climatic gradient. Both are found
in hyperoceanic and oceanic peatlands (Gignac & Vilt 1990, Vitt et a!. 1990). How­
ever, Rhytidiadelphus loreus is more abundant in oceanic than in hyperoceanic
areas, while Racom;tr;um lanuginosum is equally abundant in both areas. Both spe­
cies have wide ranges, between 1 and 6 dm, along the height gradient. Maximum
cover values occur between 3 and 4 dm above the water surface for R hyt;diadelphus
loreus, and at 5 dm in hyperoceanic peatlands and 3 dm in oceanic sites for Racom;­
tr;um lanuginosum. Racomitrium lanuginosum has a wider range along the pH gra­
dient than Rhytidiadelphus loreus in both hyperoceanic and oceanic areas.
47
Sphagnum papillosum has the widest distribution among indicator species for group
1 along the climatic gradient. It is found in both suboceanic and subcontinental
areas where none of the other species occurs. Its maximum abundance occurs in
126) peatlands where it is the second most abundant species.
hyperoceanic (AI
Maximum abundances are approximately the same in oceanic, suboceanic (AI
72), and subcontinental (AI
45) areas. Sphagnum papillosum has a narrow height
range, with maximum abundance values occurring between 2 and 3 dm above the
water surface in all climatic zones. In hyperoceanic areas, pH values range from 3.4
to 6.7, and maximum cover occurs between 5.6 and 6.3. In oceanic, suboceanic, and
subcontinental areas it has a much narrower range along the pH gradient and maxi­
mum cover values occur between 4 . 1 and 5.2.
=
=
=
Continental peatlands
Aulacomnium palustre is the only indicator species that is common to almost all
continental peatlands regardless of their water chemistry and depth to the water
table. It is found in all climatic zones, but is most abundant in subcontinental (AI
45) and continental (AI
27) areas, and relatively rare in the hyperoceanic (AI
1 26) climatic zone. Abundances increase along both pH and height gradients as
the aridity index decreases from hyperoceanic (AI
1 26) to subcontinental areas.
Response surfaces are almost identical for both subcontinental and continental cli­
matic zones. In all climatic zones, cover values are relatively small at both low pH
and low height values. Maximum cover values occur at pH 5.6 in the oceanic, sub­
oceanic (AI
72) zone, and between 6.3 and 7 .0 in the subcontinental and conti­
nental zones. With the exception of the hyperoceanic zone, maximum abundance
values are found between 2 and 3 dm along the height gradient.
=
=
=
=
=
Continental neutral and acidic fens
Sphagnum warnstorfii is the only indicator species for these fens. It is found in all
climatic zones, but m�ximum cover values are found in the subcontinental (AI
45) and continental (AI
27) climatic zones. This species' range and maximum
abundance along the pH gradient increase with decreasing aridity index values, par­
ticularly between hyperoceanic (AI
1 26) and subcontinental areas. With the ex­
ception of oceanic, suboceanic areas (AI
72), maximum cover values along the
height gradient are found at 2 dm above the surface. In oceanic, suboceanic areas,
maximum abundances are found at 1 dm above the water surface.
=
=
=
=
Figure 10. Species response surfaces for 31 indicator species of six stand groups along height above the
water surface (dm) and pH gradients for four ccoclimatic regions of western Canada. AI = aridity index.
Hypcroceanic: AI = 126; oceanic, suboceanic: AI = 72; subcontinental: AI = 4S; Continental: AI =
27 - from left to right. Sec Figs. 6-8 for delimits of stand groups.
48
Oceanic fens and bogs ( 1 )
Rhytidladelphus loreus
AJ
AI - 128
•
72
"
N - 45
N - 27
"
..
..
...
Oceanic fens and bogs ( 1 )
N - 45
"
N - 27
..
�
Sphagnum papil/osum
N - �
!
N - n
Oceanic fens and bogs ( 1 )
AI
-
45
N - 27
rt
AI . ,"
Sphagnum austin;;
AI .. 72
..
'"
r. '..
f'
Oceanic fens and bogs (1 )
"J
AI .. 4S
:J
"' ,
AI .. 27
!"
os
AI
•
126
Sphagnum tenellum
AI '" 72
"
Oceanic fens and bogs (1 )
AI .. 4S
AI .. 27
"
!.
•
'Jo
:::>
I
..
I.
Sphagnum rubel/um
AI - 72
!•
Oceanic fens and bogs ( 1 )
"
AI
_
<5
..
:
�
In
,
.
�
�
...., �
<0
,
N
If)
c: 'Q
� ,
'1
1ij
c:
CI>
c:
:;::
c:
0
()
�
•
...., �
�
�
.s
;:,
q:
.
...., �
Q
u
�
,
'1
...., �
.7 :;:
...
Q
/I)
E
•
c:
E
.2
·"0
0
CU �,
"0 '1
c:
CU
1ij
....
:l
CI>
Z
.
�
/I) '1
;:,
as
Q.
E
�
...., �
If)
c:
�
E
;:,
c:
01
as
.c:
�
...., �
�
,
'1
51
Sphagnum magellanicum
Sphagnum-dom. fens and bogs (2-4)
AI • 45
AI • 72
AI • 27
..
j"i
# 1O �
!"
# 10
��
....
......
Sphagnum angustifolium
50
AI - n
N . l28
..
IA
....
50
"
AI
-
f. ..
u
f. ..
!
•
......
Sphagnum fuscum
Sphagnum-dom. fens and bogs (2-4)
AI - n
..
50
AI - 45
..
..
...
_
27
O
'0
126
AI
..
O
.,
r. "..
AI - 45
..
r_ "..
..
Sphagnum-dom. fens and bogs (2-4)
!
•
..
...
...
fJ,J
-
126
Sphagnum rlparium
Wet poor fens (2)
N - 72
AI • 45
"
�•
....
IA
...
N - 27
�
•
N
-
126
Sphagnum jensenIi
2$-
Wet poor fens (2)
N - 72
. .
. ..
AI
,.
_
45
r'� �� ! :1 � !:
..
M
! :j
_
126
..
.
>----
�/?r_
� :J
j
S
,
,
,
Pleurozium schreberi
"' 1
1$
/IJ · 27
N - 72
�//h'
......
Dry poor fens and bogs (3)
Ad
"'1
C]
_
45
"' 1
:7j,&'W/A
.'1..
.A
.... ...
.
!"
n .
/IJ
•
27
Dry fens (3-4 )
Po/ytr/chum strictum
AI
:III
72
"I
"
•
� - 128
v.
�
j•
AI - 45
,
,
•
27
.
Dry fens (3-4)
!. .
!.
AJ
,
"
·
N - n
N - n
j•
"
.i •
Drepanocladus unclnatus
&•
45
..
Dlcranum undulatum
·
'"
" �
!• .
j•
AI
!•
�x�u
N • 27
!'
·
,
..
Dry fens (3-4)
AJ - 45
AJ - %7
j•
""
N · �
j�o.�
Hypnum pratense
�
�_
r]
.. 0
Dry rich fens
(4)
N . �
N - n
J0'"
'# U�
�
�
J
.,.
�
�
'"
14 - 128
Dry rich fens (4)
Tomenthypnum nitens
os
f:iJ - 72
..
AI • 45
..
..
..
....
....
l•
j. .."
..
..
N - 1:7
..
Moderate-rich fens (5)
Drepanocladus aduncus
fIJ
•
128
AI • 72
j. ',
/OJ - ..
..
r
. ,
..
•
h.p,,' ,
-'
Moderate-rich fens (5)
Brachythecium mildeanum
AI • 126
AI • 72
AI
- 45
AI _ 27
j'
g:
......
Drepanocladus polycarpus
H · 126
Moderate-rich fens (5)
!•
/OJ _ v
!
•
Meesia triquetra
AI . 128
Rich fens (5-6)
AI - n
AI _ 45
AI - 27
!
!. ..
·
"­
Rich fens (5-6)
Call1ergon giganteum
AI - 126
AJ _ 72
AI _ 27
AI . 45
"
'"
......
!.
!
·
•
AI
•
126
.
..
!.
AI · n
·
.
!
•
Rich fens (5-6)
Clnclldlum stygium
!'
..
AJ - 45
!.
3
.
AI - 27
.
.
Drepanocladus lapponicus
"
AI _ no
"
Moderate-rich fens (5)
AI • ••
AI _ .,
"
Drepanocladus vernicosus
"
AI
_
72
"
Moderate-rich fens (5)
AI
=
45
"
'"
00
!.
�•
•
,.
AI - 126
•
Call1ergon trlfar/um
..
..
..
u
Extreme-rich fens (6)
AI - 27
50
AJ
Scorpldlum scorpioldes
AJ - 72
- 126
�. ,...
..
..
!. "..
Extreme-rich fens (6)
AJ - OS
!
!•
•
Drepanocladus revolvens
AI
-
72
Extreme-rich fens (6)
AI
-
45
..
�
!. "..
!•
!.
!.
......
,.
..
!. "..
JI,J
-
Campy/lum stel/atum
128
..
Extreme-rich fens (6)
AI
_
45
AJ - V
!. "..
It
Continental Sphagnum-dominated fens and bogs
Abundance values for Sphagnum magellanicum are highest in the oceanic, suboce­
anic zone (AI
72). This species has a relatively narrow range on the pH gradient
that extends from pH 3.4 to 5.6 and maximum abundances occur at pH 4. 1 in all
climatic zones. On the height gradient, Sphagnum magellanicum is found between
1 and 5 dm. With the exception of the oceanic, suboceanic zone, maximum abun­
dances are found between 2 and 3 dm above the water surface. Although it has a
wide range along this gradient, cover values are greater at heights above 3 dm when
compared to abundances at lower heights. With the exception of the oceanic, sub­
oceanic zone, there appears to be no difference in its distribution along the height
and pH gradients between climatic zones.
=
Although Sphagnum angustifolium is slightly more abundant in, oceanic (AI
1 26) areas and slightly less abundant in oceanic, suboceanic ones (AI
72), it shows
little climatic preference. Its distribution ranges between pH 3.0 and 6.7 and it has
the most acidic range among indicator species for this group. Maximum abundance
occurs between pH 4 . 1 and 4.5 in all climatic zones with the exception of the oceanic
one (AI
1 26) where it reaches maximum abundance at pH 4.8. Sphagnum angu­
stifolium also has the narrowest range on the height gradient among indicator spe­
cies for this group. It is found between 0 and 4.5 dm above the water surface and,
with the exception of the hyperoceanic zone, it maximum cover occurs relatively
close to the water surface at approximately 2 dm in all climatic zones. In the hyper­
oceanic areas, maximum abundance occurs at approximately 4 dm above the water
table.
=
=
=
Sphagnum fuscum is the most abundant species among those in this group. Al­
though it is abundant in all climatic zones, it reaches its maximum cover in subconti­
nental (AI
45) areas. It occurs on peatlands that have pHs ranging between 3.4
and 7.4, but, it is not as abundant on peatlands having high pH values ( > 5.2) in
hyperoceanic (AI
1 26) and oceanic, suboceanic (AI
72) areas. As is the case
for Sphagnum angustifolium, S. fuscum has a bimodal distribution on the pH gra­
dient. The distribution of S. fuscum along the height gradient is between 1 and 7
dm above the surface of the water, however, it has a relatively narrow distribution
along this gradient in hyperoceanic peatlands (AI
1 26). Its maximum cover on
the height gradient appears to be' negatively correlated with the climatic gradient.
The height above the water table at which the maximum cover values occur increases
as the aridity index decreases. At low heights above the water table, the abundance
of S, fuscum is negatively correlated with the pH gradient.
=
=
=
=
Continental dry fens and bogs
Polytrichum strictum is found in all climatic zones but is much less abundant in oce­
anic, suboceanic areas (AI
72). This species reaches its maximum cover on sub­
continental (AI
45) and continental sites (AI
27). Polytrichum strictum occurs
over a broad pH range however, it achieves its maximum cover between pH 3.4 and
5.6. In oceanic, suboceanic areas, it is not abundant at higher pH values (>5.2).
=
=
=
60
Although P. strictum occupies a wide range on the height gradient in continental
and subcontinental peatlands, it has a relatively narrow range in oceanic areas
(AI>72). Maximum cover values for this species on the height gradient are relative­
ly close to the water surface (2 dm) on hyperoceanic (AI
1 26) and oceanic, sub­
oceanic peatlands when compared to subcontinental and continental sites 4 to 6
dm). In all climatic zones, the abundance of P. strictum decreases at lower heights
as pH values increase above 5.3.
=
Dicranum undulatum is also found in all climatic zones in western Canada but is
more abundant in continental (AI;S45) than in oceanic (AI>45) areas. Maximum
abundances for Dicranum undulatum are slightly greater in subcontinental (AI
45) than continental (AI
27) areas. Although it is found over a wide range along
the pH gradient, it is more abundant at pH values less than 5.6. Its range along the
pH gradient gradual\y increases from hyperoceanic (AI
1 26) to subcontinental
areas. However, maximum cover values occur between pH 4.4 and 4.8 in al\ climatic
zones. Response surfaces are bimodal along the pH gradient in the subcontinental
and continental zones. Heights above the water surface range from I to 6 dm in al\
climatic zones. Maximum abundances along the height gradient increase from hype­
roceanic to subcontinental areas. With the exception of slight differences in maxi­
mum abundances', response surfaces in subcontinental and continental areas are al­
most identical.
=
=
=
Drepanoc\auds uncinatus is only found on subcontinental (AI
45) and continen­
tal (AI
27) peatlands in western Canada, and cover values are slightly higher in
continental areas. pH values for this species range between 4.4 and 7.4 and it has
a bimodal distribution along this gradient. Maximum abundances for D. uncinatus
are found at 5 . 2 on the pH gradient and at 2 dm above the water table.
=
=
Continental moderate- and extreme-rich fens
Neither Calliergon giganteum nor Meesia triquetra is found on peatlands in hypero­
ceanic, oceanic, and suboceanic zones (AI >72). Both species occupy approximately
the same ranges along the pH and height gradients, and neither is very abundant
in peatlands on which they are found. Calliergon giganteum has a skewed distribu­
tion along the pH gradient, and it is more abundant at high values. Meesia triquetra
also has a slightly skewed distribution and is more abundant at higher pH values.
Differences between these two species along the pH gradient are that Calliergon gi­
ganteum is abundant at pH 7 .8 while Meesia triquetra is not. Meesia triquetra
achieves its maximum abundance between 0 and 0.5 dm above the water surface,
while Calliergon giganteum is most abundant between 1 and 1.5 dm.
Cinclidium stygium can be found between pH 5.6 and 7.8 with maximum cover val­
ues occurring between 6.3 and 7.8. This species has a relatively wide range along
the height gradient and can be found between 0 and 3 dm. Maximum cover values
along this gradient change depending on the pH. At pH values less than 6.7, maxi­
mum abundances occur between 1 and 3 dm above the water surface. At high pH
values (>6.7), maximum cover values are found closer to the water surface, be­
tween 0 and I dm.
61
Continental wet poor fens
Response surfaces for Sphagnum riparium are almost identical in both subcontinen­
tal and continental areas. Sphagnum riparium has a relatively narrow range along
the pH gradient that does not extend beyond 5 .6, and maximum cover values occur
below pH 4. I . Maximum abundances for Sphagnum riparium also occur at the sur­
face of the water, but it is not abundant below the surface.
Sphagnum jensenii has the highest abundance values among indicator speCies in this
group. As with Sphagnum riparium, response surfaces for this species are almost
identical in subcontinental and continental areas. It has a relatively wide range on
the pH gradient, between 3.0 and 6.7 and maximum abundances occur between 5 . 2
and 6.0. O n the height gradient, Sphagnum jensenii i s located between - 1 and 3 dm
above the water surface. Maximum abundances are found at the surface of the wa­
ter surface.
Continental dry poor fens an d bogs
Pleurozium schreberi is much less abundant in hyperoceanic (AI
1 26) and ocean­
ic, suboceanic (AI
72) peatlands than on subcontinental (AI
45) and continen­
tal (AI
27) sites in western Canada. This species occurs in peatlands having p H
values ranging from 3.4 to 8. 1 i n all climatic zones but i t is not very abundant at
high pH values (>5.2) in hyperoceanic areas. Pleurozium schreberi is found be­
tween I and 7 dm above the water table at low pH values in all climatic zones. At
higher pH values, heights above the water surface at which it is found gradually in­
crease from hyperoceanic areas to continental areas. It achieves its maximum abun­
dance at 6 dm above the water surface and between pH 6.3 and 7.4. At heights less
than 3 dm, its abundance is negatively correlated with the pH gradient in all climatic
zones. Cover values steadily decrease as pH increases from 4 . 1 to 7.4.
=
=
=
=
Continental dry rich fens
Tomenthypnum nitens has the highest abundance values among indicator species in
group 4. It is found in all climatic zones with the exception of the hyperoceanic
zone. pH values range between 4.5 and 7.8 in all climatic zones. However, maxi­
mum abundances occur at pH 5.6 in oceanic, suboceanic (AI
72) areas, while they
are found between 5.8 and 7.4 in subcontinental (AI
45) and continental (AI
27) areas. Response surface dimensions along the height gradient are slightly nar­
rower in the oceanic, suboceanic climatic zone, than in other zones. Maximum
abundances are found at 2 dm above the surface of the water in all climatic zones.
=
=
=
Abundances for Hypnum pratense are much lower than those for Tomenthypnum
nitens. Unlike Tomenthypnum nitens it is only found in continental and subconti­
nental and it is more abundant in continental than subcontinental areas. It is found
between pH 4.8 and 7.0 and maximum cover values along the pH gradient occur
between pH 5.6 and 6.3. Maximum values along the height gradient are found be­
tween 1 and 2 dm above the water surface.
62
Continental moderate-rich fens
With the exception of Drepanocladus aduncus, indicator species for this group are
only found on carpets and lawns between 0 and 3 dm above the surface of the water
table and do not occur in oceanic areas (AI >72). Also, with the exceptions of Dre­
panocladus aduncus and Drepanocladus vernicosus, species ranges along the pH
gradient are narrow.
Drepanocladus ad uncus is the only group 5 indicator that is found in the oceanic,
suboceanic climatic zone (AI
72). It is also the only species that is more abundant
in subcontinental (AI
45) areas than in continental (AI
27) areas. pH values
for this species range betwen 5.0 to 7.4. Maximum cover values occur at pH 6.0 in
the oceanic, suboceanic climatic zone and at pH 6.7 in other areas. Drepanocladus
aduncus is found between -I and 3 dm along the height gradient and is the only spe­
cies that is abundant below the surface of the water. However, maximum abun­
dances are found between I and 2 dm above the water surface.
=
=
=
Although Brachythecium mildeanum is found in both subcontinental (AI
45) and
continental (AI
27) areas it is more abundant in the latter. It has a narrow pH
range, between 6.0 and 7 .8, and maximum abundances in both climatic zones occur
between pH 7.0 and 7.4. Brachythecium mildeanum also has narrow range along
the height gradient, with maximum cover values occurring between I and 2 dm.
=
=
Drepanocladus polycarpus is less abundant in subcontinental (AI
45) than in con­
tinental (AI
27) areas. However, ranges for response surfaces along pH and
height gradients are the same in both climatic zones. This species is found between
pH 6.3 and 7.4, and maximum cover values occur between 7.0 and 7.4. Along the
height gradient, Drepanocladus po!ycarpus is found between I and 3 dm, and maxi­
mum abundances are at 2 dm.
=
=
Drepanocladus lapponicus has almost identical response surfaces in both subconti­
nental and continental areas. It also has the lowest abudances values and the nar­
rowest response surface dimensions along both height and pH gradients among indi­
cator species for 5. It is found between pH 6.0 and 7.0 and maximum abundances
occur between pH 6.6 an 7.0. Along the height gradient it is found between 0 and
I dm.
Drepanocladus verni cosus is slightly more abundant in continental (AI
27) than
in subcontinental (AI
45) areas. Response surface dimensions for both climatic
zones are similar. This species has a relatively wide pH range compared to other in­
dicator species in group 5, with values ranging between 5.2 and 7.4. However, this
species is less abundant at lower pH values within its range and maximum cover val­
ues are found between pH 6.6 and 7.4. Along the height gradient, Drepanocladus
vernicosus is found between I and 3 dm above the water surface. Maximum cover
values occur between I and 2 dm above the water surface.
=
=
Continental wet extreme-rich fens
Group 6 indicator species can all be found below the surface of the water table and
are only found in subcontinental (AI
45) and continental (AI
27) peatlands.
=
=
63
J \. U llUUgU
dU
.)Vl.\.. U••.)
dH ! ,ihJi \..
dUUUU41U.L
J.H \,.uU. ... U1\...J,u" .u. ""h..","') UJ.cUl hi
4Uy
()lU�l �11-
matic zones, the shape of the response surfaces are very similar for both continental
and sub-continental areas.
Among species in group 6, Calliergon trifarium has the lowest abundances. It has
a relatively narrow range along the pH gradient and is found between pH 5 .6 and
7.4. Maximum abundances are found between pH 6.6 and 7.0. It can be found be­
tween -\ and 2 dm along the height gradient but is most often found at the surface
of the water.
Scorpidium scorpioides has a wide range along the height gradient and can be found
between pH 5 . 2 and 8.5. Maximum cover values occur between 7.4 and 8. 1 . Scorpi­
dium scorpioides is the only species among indicators for group 6 that is more abun­
dant below the surface of the water than above. Maximum cover values occur be­
tween 0 and - I dm and abundances rapidly decrease above the surface of the water.
Drepanocladus revolvens is found in all climatic zones but is not abundant in ocean­
ic areas (AI
72).Drepanocladus revolvens is found on peatlands having surface
water pH values between 4.5 and 8 . 1 , but it is only found at low pH values « 5.2)
in t he hyperoceanic zone. Apart from hyperoceanic areas, maximum abundances
are found between pH 7.4 and 8 . 1 . Height values range between -I and 2 dm and
maximum abundances are found between 0 and I dm.
=
Along with Drepanocladus revolvens, Campylium stellatum is found in all climatice
zones, but abundances are relatively low in the hyperoceanic areas (AI
1 26), and
even lower in the oceanic, suboceanic zone (AI
72). This species has its widest
distribution along the pH gradient in subcontinental and continental areas and its
maximum abundances are found at high pH values (>7.8). Campylium stel/atum
occurs between -I and 2.5 dm relative to the surface of the water and can occasional­
ly be found below -1 dm in subcontinental and continental areas. Maximum abun­
dances however are found between the surface of the water and I dm. At low height
abundances increase with increasing pH .
=
=
Summary
Bryophyte species that occur in mires in western Canada clearly respond to gradients
of climate, surface water chemistry, and height above the water surface. Several di­
stinctive habitat patterns are present for the indicator species selceted in this study.
Species of oceanic fens and bogs generally occur at greater heights above the water
level as the climate changes from oceanic to hyperoceanic. This trend can be easily
seen in the response surfaces for Racomitrium lanuginosum and to a lesser extent
for Sphagnllm austinii. Both S. rubel/um and S. austinii occur at higher pH's as
aridity decreases. Whereas the response of Sphagnum papil/osum to height remains
fairly constant over the climatic gradient, its response to pH is markedly different
in hyperoceanic climates when compared to oceanic and subcontinental climates.
Widespread species such as A ulacomnium palustre and Sphagnum warnstorJii are
64
l;I,;Ul,;ldUj I,;UIIIlUU,1 W1 UUglluul l,,� MUUY ilU;a, llUweVCJ lilt: aUUlluaJlt:e 01 both 01
these species is clearly greatest in continental rich fens. Both species occur higher
above the water surface in continental areas than they to in oceanic and hyperocean­
ic areas, perhaps due to increased competition from other species of bryophytes in
the latter areas. Likewise, both of these species are more common in rich fens than
in poor fens and bogs, especially S. warnstorfii that is able to tolerate higher alkali­
nities than other sphagna.
Although Sphagnum mage/lanicum, S. angustifolium, and S. fuscum all occur
throughout the climatic zones of western Canada, these three species are a much
more prevalent component in suboceanic, subcontinental, and continental mires
than in oceanic and hyperoceanic areas. Sphagnum mage/lanicum is much more re­
stricted to lower pH's than are either S. angustifolium or S. fuscum. Both of these
latter two species have bimodal distributions, and occur higher above the water sur­
face in rich fens than in poor fens. The bimodal distributions are present due to the
fewer number of peatlands having pH's around pH 5.5. Sphagnum angustijolium
is able to occur higher above the water surface in hyperoceanic mires than in more
continental ones. Sphagnum fuscum is more restricted in its occurrence in hyper­
oceanic and oceanic areas and only becomes the dominant hummock species in sub­
continental and continental conditions, where such oceanic species as S. austinii are
lacking. Polytrichum strictum and Dicranum undulatum have similar response sur­
faces. Both species are more abundant and widespread in continental mires than in
oceanic and hyperocanic ones. In this regard, both species follow the responses of
Sphagnumfuscum closely, occurring on relatively high (and dry) hummocks. Dicra­
num undulatum is more abundant in rich fens, while Polytrichum strictum is more
common in poor fens and bogs. Although Drepanoc/adus uncinatus is a widespread
species of temperate and boreal upland forests, in continental and subcontinental
areas it also occurs in rich fens and poor fens as well as in bogs. According to our
data, it does not occur (or is very rare) in mires in oceanic and hyperoceanic areas,
there largely replaced by such mosses as Rhytidiadelphus lorells.
Large, continental poor fens, often patterned, are characterized by Sphagnum ripa­
rium and S. jensenii. Both of these carpet species have similar response surfaces;
S. riparium is more restricted in its pH response, while S. jensenii is more abundant
at higher pH's and in somewhat deeper water. Neither of these species occurs in oce­
anic or hyperoceanic climatic zones, there replaced by S. tenellllln and other sphag­
na (e.g.: S. lindbergii, S. pacificum and S. mendocinum).
In dry, forested peatlands of continental Canada, Pleurozium schreberi can become
a dominant species. Although common in bogs and poor fens, it is largely excluded
from the highest and driest hummocks in these mires, probably due to the abun­
dance of Sphagnum fuscum (and S. nemoreum), while in rich fens it reaches its
highest abundance on dry hummocks. In hyperoceanic and oceanic areas, its abun­
dance is greatly reduced, there replaced mostly by a variety of Sphagnum species
and by Racomitrium lanuginosum. On the driest hummocks in continental bogs,
Pleurozium, along with species of Cladina, are often dominant, however these dry
hummocks are not present in hyperoceanic areas, where the hummock tops are
usually dominated by species of Sphagnum, particularly S. austinii and S. rubel/um.
65
Whereas nch lens are the mOSl common nllre lype 111 SUbcolll1llelltal allu cont1l1ental
western Canada, in hyperoceanic and oceanic regions of Canada these mire types
are rare. As a result, bryophyte species that are abundant in rich fens are either ab­
sent, rare, or if present then not abundant in oceanic areas of.the continent. Hyp­
num pratense is a rare species of lawns and hummock sides, restricted to rich fens
in subcontinental and continental areas. Although much more restricted in distribu­
tion, its response suc;'ace is somewhat similar to that of Tomenthypnum nitens,
which is the predominant hummock-forming species of rich fens. The change in re­
sponse of this specks to pH between subcontinental and suboceanic-oceanic cli­
mates is probably due to the lack of habitats at the higher pH's in these latter cli­
mates. Species of bryophytes that are characteristic of rich fens consistently occur
only above pH's of 5 . 5 . Species with broad responses to pH such as Meesia trique­
tra, Calliergon giganteum and Cinciidium stygium are largely restricted to subconti­
nental and continental climates. These species can be abundant in both moderate­
and extreme-rich fens, although they are normally more abundant in mires with the
higher pH's. Cinc/idium stygium becomes more abundant at lower heights as pH
incrases, suggesting that it is more tolerant of higher pH's.
Species that occur in moderate-rich fens become more common as aridity increases.
These species all appear to be tolerant of fluctuating water leveis and have been
shown to tolerate higher nutrient levels than species of extreme-rich fens (Vitt &
Chee 1 99 1 ). All of these species have response surfaces limited to pH's of less than
7.4 and greater than about 5 .2. Drapanociadus aduncus and D. /apponicus both oc­
cur submerged or emergent (or higher in the former species), while D. vernicosus
and D. polycarpus are more abundant at somewhat drier habitats. These four spe­
cies can be considered as two species pairs; D. aduncus occurring submerged and
in emergent carpets replaced by D. polycarpus in drier (and higher) sites and similar­
ly for D. lapponicus being replaced by the more drought tolerant D. vernicosus.
Wet extreme-rich fens are clearly characterized by Scorpidium scorpioides, Callier­
gon trijarium, Drepanociadus revolvens, and Campylium stellatum. Whereas all of
these species can occur at pH's as low as 5.2, they all extend into habitats with pH's
above 7.4. Differences in tolerance to height above the water surface is clearly
shown by the response surfaces of Scorpidium scorpioides, Drepanoc/adus revol­
vens, and Campylium stellatum.
Bryophytes are among the best indicators of mire types along climatic, chemical,
and physical gradients. Species responses to these important gradients can be quan­
tified and used to characterize the habitat preferences of critical indicator species.
The marked differerences in responses to pH and height gradients when compared
over the climatic gradient present in western Canada strengthens the view that cli­
mate often has an over- riding effect on the distribution of bryophyte species and
that species may respond to chemical and physical gradients differently under diffe­
rent climatic regimes. These individualistic responses can be used to inter individual
species as well as general vegetation responses to climatic changes, both past and
present.
66
Acknowledgments
We wish to thank W.L. Chee, D.G. Horton, J.D. Johnson, H.J. Kubiw, B.J. Nicholson, and L. Roche·
fon for being able to use their data sets. This project was funded by a Strategic Grand from the Natural
Sciences and Enginering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to S.E. Bayley, D.H. Vitt and D.W.
Schindler. Data sets of D.H. Vitt were obtained from research suppon largely by NSERC operating grant
A6390, for which we are grateful.
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