Modelling bryophytes distribution pattern using environmental parameters of Iran in Geographical Information Systems (GIS): a case study of three genera Tortula, Grimmia and Bryum (Bryophyta)

Abstract

In the present study, a modelling approach based on Geographical Information Systems (GIS) analysis is presented with the aim of identifying the influence of environmental parameters on three genera, namely, <em>Tortula</em>, <em>Grimmia </em>and<em> Bryum</em> as representatives of Iranian bryoflora. By using ArcGIS Desktop, we produced a model for environmental variables include altitude, precipitation, temperature and humidity. To test the model, we surveyed the effect of selected geographical and environmental variables including altitude, latitude, annual mean precipitation, maximum, minimum, and mean temperatures and humidity on distribution pathern of these three genera. Within 108 localities, 52 samples of <em>Bryum</em> (48%), 33 samples of <em>Grimmia</em> (30%) and 24 samples of <em>Tortula</em> (22%) were recorded.