1999 Volume 86 Pages 243-255
Species diversity of epilithic, epigeous and epiphytic bryophyte commumties were studied based on dry weight of component species in relation to environmental gradients. Shannons H' values of epilithic communities were maximum with 4.5% of relative lightintensity and had a symmetrical bell-shape curve overall. H' values of epigeous communities were maximum with 38.0% moisture content in soil and also had a symmetrical bell-shape curve overall. On the other hand, a highly positive correlation was seen between the H' values of epiphytic bryophyte communities and the environmental deterioration in urban areas as shown by the index of environmental conditions (IE). These showed that the relations between species diversity and environmental gradients in bryophyte communities in natural conditions have a symmetrical bell-shape similar to those in higher plant communities, while in urban areas, the relation between species diversity and environmental deterioration is a straight line.
Dominance-diversity relations of bryophyte communities in natural conditions were realized even in urbanized conditions.
