Temperature affects the CO2 balance of Barbula moss
Abstract
Bryophyta (mosses) are one of the earlier descendants of land plants. Plants in this phylum are nonvascular, low growing, and need a moist habitat in order to survive. Bryophyta are poikilohydric organisms, meaning that their moisture content is rapidly changing due to environmental conditions. In higher temperature environments, evaporation leads to loss of moisture. Conversely, in lower temperature environments, the organisms tend to become more moist. Like all plants, moss perform both photosynthesis and respiration. These two processes contribute to the plants carbon balance- respiration releases CO2 while photosynthesis consumes CO2. Respiration occurs through the plant's surface, so if the moss is too moist or too dry, its respiration and carbon balance are affected. Here we test whether temperature has an effect on the CO2 balance of Barbula moss. Preliminary data suggest moss in room temperature and cooler environments are able to balance their CO2 levels better than those grown in warmer environments.
Temperature affects the CO2 balance of Barbula moss
CNS Atrium, Easel 12
Bryophyta (mosses) are one of the earlier descendants of land plants. Plants in this phylum are nonvascular, low growing, and need a moist habitat in order to survive. Bryophyta are poikilohydric organisms, meaning that their moisture content is rapidly changing due to environmental conditions. In higher temperature environments, evaporation leads to loss of moisture. Conversely, in lower temperature environments, the organisms tend to become more moist. Like all plants, moss perform both photosynthesis and respiration. These two processes contribute to the plants carbon balance- respiration releases CO2 while photosynthesis consumes CO2. Respiration occurs through the plant's surface, so if the moss is too moist or too dry, its respiration and carbon balance are affected. Here we test whether temperature has an effect on the CO2 balance of Barbula moss. Preliminary data suggest moss in room temperature and cooler environments are able to balance their CO2 levels better than those grown in warmer environments.