Morpho-taxonomy and Microhabitat Preferences of Dendroid Mosses in Mt.

Kilakiron,
Mt. Kalatungan Range, Bukidnon

Monique N. Gonzales

Eleazar T. Ello Jr.

Bukidnon National High School

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
9 June 2017
 INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Bryophytes are small, green, nonvascular plant which plays vital roles in the

ecosystem. Being sensitive to environmental change, these became excellent indicators

of climate change. To date, the world has a total of 24,000 species, which are divided

into three divisions namely: Bryophyta (mosses) with 15,000 species, Hepatophyta

(liverworts) with 8,500 species, and Anthocerophyta (hornworts) with about 100 species

(Azuelo et al. 2011).

Bryophytes are the second largest group inhabiting every continent. This includes

mosses, which are usually underappreciated because of its small stature. Mosses are

distributed all throughout the world, commonly found at shady and damp areas. They are

best known for carpeting the forest floors. Ecologically, mosses helps in controlling

floods and soil erosion by providing surface cover and absorbing water. Mosses are

among the most important bio-indicators besides playing several ecological roles in the

ecosystems. In the world of mosses, there are species that are often called “tree mosses”

because they look like little trees (Newton, 2010). Dendroid mosses or Hypnodendron

comosum commonly grow in damp locations, favouring wet rocks, tree roots and base,

and tree ferns. It is mostly common in areas with large amount of decayed logs. They are

seen as one of the most beautiful and unique species of mosses in the world.

This study will examine the morpho-taxonomy and habitat preferences of

Dendroid mosses in Mt. Kilakiron. Moss has the ability to absorb liquids up to twenty

times its weight, because of the ability to absorb; these can be used as an easily
obtainable and multi-purpose material. Moss will likely be preserved if further studies w

bould be conducted, which will show its economic and ecological importance, and its

existence would be put into great appreciation.

Mount Kilakiron, is considered as the highest mountain situated in Valencia City

with the peak elevation of 2329m. It is part of the Kalatungan Mountain Range which

sets the record as the second largest mountain range in Bukidnon (Chua, 2016). The

mountain is covered by lush green forest with big trees and is also home to a variety of

fauna and flora.

More importantly, the current knowledge about the mosses in the Philippines

needs to be explored. It is important that the mosses in Mt. Kilakiron should be seriously

studied, conserved and monitored.

Statement of the Problem

This study will deal with the morpho-taxonomy and microhabitat preferences

dendroid mosses in Mt. Kilakiron, Mt. Kalatungan Range, Bukidnon

Specifically, the study will aim to answer the following questions:

1. What are the species of mosses that inhabit the study area?

2. In what way do the gametophyte morphological characters of each species

differ?

3. What are the microhabitat preferences of the dendroid mosses?

4. How are the species of dendroid mosses distributed in the study area?
Objectives of the Study

This study will aim to examine the morpho-taxonomy and microhabitat

preferences of dendroid mosses in Mt. Kilakiron, Mt. Kalatungan Range, Bukidnon

Specifically, the study will aim to:

1. Collect, classify and identify the species of dendroid mosses inhabiting Mt.

Kilakiron.

2. Describe the gametophyte morphological character of each species.

3. Determine the microhabitat preferences of Dendroid mosses in Mt.

Kilakiron.

4. Determine the altitudinal distribution of the species.

Significance of the Study

Result of the study would provide basic knowledge regarding the morpho-

taxonomy and microhabitat preferences of dendroid mosses in Mt. Kilakiron, Mt.

Kalatungan Range, Bukidnon.

The gathered data would be additional information to the local people as to what

are the species present in the area, the medicinal value

Further, the result could be utilized by bryologists, taxonomists and students who

would like to contribute data in the field of bryology.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study would center on the morpho-taxonomy and microhabitat preferences of

dendroid mosses in Mt. Kilakiron, Mt. Kalatungan Range, Bukidnon.

 It will be concerned on the morpho-anatomy such as leaf arrangement, leaf shape,

leaf margin, leaf apex, costa and cell shape. It will also be concerned with the habitat

preferences. The study will show if the area would need additional protection and

conservation.