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.
