Language: English
The first in a series of volumes that will be devoted to the Eurasian Sphagnum bog diatoms. Sphagnum bogs are unique ecosystems. The main ecological drivers in these systems are Sphagnum mosses. They originate under organic-rich, acidic conditions with low content of available electrolytes.
Nur is a unique ecosystem in Mongolia because it is the only known large Sphagnum bog throughout this region. There are no earlier studies on the algal flora of this ecosystem. A total of 242 diatom taxa, belonging to 48 genera have been identified from samples taken from different habitats of this bog. Light and scanning electron microscope analyses resulted in the description of one new genus, Boreozonacola, and 18 new species from the genera Pinnularia, Stauroneis, Naviculadicta, Fragilaria, Eunotia, Boreozonacola, Caloneis, Chamaepinnularia, and Neidium. Additionally, 11 new taxonomic combinations are suggested. Species treatments include descriptions, synonymies, size dimensions, and relevant literature.
Summary 4
Introduction 5
General Information 5
Material and methods 8
Systematic-Taxonomy 9
New genus described in this monograph 9
New species described in this monograph 9
New taxonomic combinations proposed in this book 9
Diatom species identified in Sphagnum bog Nur 11
References 65
Plates 75
Index 313
"Nur bog in northern Mongolia is the first volume in a series pertaining to diatom assemblages from Sphagnum bogs around the world. For many years, bog environments have been less studied than diatom ecological habitats. However, bog environments are found all over the world and recently there has been a move to preserve them because many are in danger of being destroyed. Therefore, it is important to understand how they function and their diatom composition.
The book starts with a brief description of the Nur Bogs. Twelve samples were collected and their species content identified; 242 diatom taxa (48 genera). One new genus, Boreozonacola, is described along with 18 new species and 13 new combinations. Brief descriptions are given for most of the species identified; synonymies, size dimensions and relevant literature. However, there are a number of species that are documented only with a photograph, which I assume will be studied in greater depth in the future. SEM figures are given for certain sepecies.
For those who are working with bog environments or doing bio-geographic distribution this book is an important contribution to our knowledge of species occurring in northern Mongolia. The species are well documented and can be used for comparison and identification of diatom from your acid habitats."
– Karen K. Serieyssol, Héry, France, Diatom Research (2010) Vol. 25(2)