The Effects of Cypress Dome Size on Epiphyte Diversity in Southern Florida
Muss J. 2001. The Effects of Cypress Dome Size on Epiphyte Diversity in Southern Florida. Florida Atlantic University
A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science. Epiphyte richness and abundance were observed in 18 cypress domes. Using the Preston model of island biogeography, the following hypotheses were tested: 1. Larger domes have greater epiphyte diversity because they moderate temperature extremes better than smaller domes. 2. The effect of cypress dome size is reduced in subtropical compared to more temperate regions. 3. A measurable temperature gradient exists within cypress domes.