Analyzing Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Antarctic Moss Species: How Does the Environment Influence Microorganism Diversity and Abundance?

Antarctica is at the forefront of major climate change impacts proposing new challenges as to what the changing environment may bring (Câmara 2020). As temperatures rise the ice caps recede exposing more landmass harboring the perfect conditions for Antarctic moss to move from the maritime to continental ecosystems (Prather 2019).Moss is the most abundant plant on Antarctica, serving as large nitrogen and carbon sinks (Lindo 2010).The Bryosphere is a home for important invertebrates in the soil (Lindo 2010). Invertebrates include tardigrades, mites, rotifers, nematodes, and springtails. These invertebrates are the most present as they can survive the harsh conditions, and important for protecting the biodiversity of Antarctica (Shaw 2018).We must examine the physical and chemical properties of Antarctic soil and moss species in order to understand how they may affect species diversity and abundance of microorganisms present within moss canopies.