Monday 3 March 2014

Scapania undulata at Cullaloe LNR

Quite widespread in marshy flush areas of the reserve, I had seen one that was handed to me but didn't see it in the field. I "rediscovered" it on Saturday. This s a species which seems to have been split in the past, but is variable as to the degree of "tooth" on display. This one is pretty toothy!

Looking at previous shots of Scapania obtained from the BBS meet, I see that the previous one showed no sign of teeth at all. Is this a genetic difference or a habitat-based phenotype difference? See in gallery (Q-U) for previous.

(edit - from Smith, p.189: "it is clear from field observation and literature reports that much of the variation is environmentally induced")








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