Distribution pattern of seven Polytrichum species in the East European Plain and Eastern Fennoscandia

Abstract

Distribution of seven species of the genus Polytrichum (P. commune, P. hyperboreum, P. jensenii, P. juniperinum, P. piliferum, P. strictum and P. swartzii) on the territory of the East European Plain and Eastern Fennoscandia (EEPEF) was studied. For each species, model maps of distribution ranges were constructed and the causes that determine the pattern of species are considered. Distribution of most species correlates to a high degree with spatial changes in the amount of precipitation, relative humidity and monthly temperature averages during the vegetative season. However, P. piliferum is an exception to this rule, as its distribution is influenced not only by climate, but also by location of fluvioglacial deposits on the territory of EEPEF. Distribution range of P. hyperboreum and P. jensenii is mainly limited by Subarctic region (Tundra and Forest-Tundra), and this range looks diminishing.