Distribution of endolithic algae on the Colorado Plateau of northern Arizona

Eight sandstones in four biotic communities of the Colorado Plateau were found to harbor endolithic algae, both chasmo- and cryptoendoliths. Rock-dwelling photosynthetic microorganisms were found in sandstones ranging from white to red and fine to coarsely grained and of varying geologic age. The sa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Southwestern naturalist 1988-09, Vol.33 (3), p.315-322
Main Authors: Bell, R.A, Athey, P.V, Sommerfeld, M.R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
ALGAE
ALGUE
ALTERATION ATMOSPHERIQUE
ARIZONA
Biocenosis
CHLOROPHYLLE
CHLOROPHYLLS
CLOROFILAS
Deserts
DISTRIBUCION NATURAL
DISTRIBUTION NATURELLE
ECOLOGIA VEGETAL
ELEMENTO PRIMARIO DEL SUELO
Forest habitats
Green algae
MATERIAU ORIGINEL
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
METEORIZACION
NATURAL DISTRIBUTION
PHYTOECOLOGIE
PLANT ECOLOGY
Plateaus
PROPIEDADES MECANICAS
PROPRIETE MECANIQUE
Rocks
SANDSTONE
Sandstones
SOIL PARENT MATERIALS
Tablelands
WEATHERING
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Summary:Eight sandstones in four biotic communities of the Colorado Plateau were found to harbor endolithic algae, both chasmo- and cryptoendoliths. Rock-dwelling photosynthetic microorganisms were found in sandstones ranging from white to red and fine to coarsely grained and of varying geologic age. The sandstones all provide adequate light intensity, moisture, and airspace for algal colonization. Conversely, each formation presents a unique set of internal conditions influencing community composition and location. Cryptoendolithic communities shifted from primarily coccoid cyanophytes to coccoid/sarcinoid chlorophytes as the aboveground vegetation changed from cold temperate desertscrub to cold temperate forest. Accompanying this shift was an increase in chlorophyll a content. The sandstone chlorophyll contents found in this study suggest that the endolithic algal community can contribute appreciable plant biomass to communities with sparse aboveground vegetation.
ISSN:0038-4909
1943-6262
DOI:10.2307/3671759