Species Distribution Study of the Tardigrada Emphasizing Elevation Change in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Moss DM. 2000. Species Distribution Study of the Tardigrada Emphasizing Elevation Change in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. National Park Service. Maryville, TN
Data are limited concerning the ecology of the Tardigrada. There are few studies of the geographic distribution and richness of tardigrade species in the Southeastern United States, particularly in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). This study investigates the tardigrade species richness of two selected sites that differe by elevation within the boundaries of GSMNP: Abrams Creek backcountry camp #1 (369 m) and Icewater Springs trail shelter (1800 m). Tardigrade specimens were collected 13-14 August 1999. Through microscopic verification, four total species were identified. Two of these species, Minibiotus intermedius and Milnesium tardigradum, were common to both collection localities; however, two species were found to be uniquely associated by site. Macrobiotus tonollii/areolatus was found only at Abrams Creek backcountry camp #1, and Echiniscus gladiator, the only heterotardigrade encountered, was found only at Icewater Springs trail shelter.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Moss, David
- Date of Issue
- 2000
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- Abrams Creek, All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory, ATBI, Elevation, GRSM-00680, Icewater Springs shelter, Tardigrada, waterbear