ibclogo XVI International Botanical Congess


Abstract Number: 5042
Session = 15.4.5


CIRCUM-ANTARCTIC DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS IN PTERIDOPHYTE


S. B. S Parris, Fern Research Foundation, 21 James Kemp Place, Kerikeri, Bay of Islands, New Zealand


Four major austral distribution patterns are evident in pteridophytes. Some 25 species are completely circum-antarctic. Another c. 41 species are partially circum-antarctic, occurring in Australasia and Africa-Madagascar but not South America, while c. 31 are in Africa-Madagascar and South America but not Australasia, and c. 11 are in South America and Australasia but not Africa-Madagascar. The role of continental drift versus long-distance dispersal of these species will be discussed, together with aspects of their ecology that may predispose towards long-distance dispersal.


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