干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

A richmicroflora community (or biofilm) dominated by cyanobacteria coats most exposed rock surfaces (in both marine and terrestrial environments) in the tropics. Such biofilms are thought to play a role in weathering, crust formation and nutrient cycling. An initial, short-term study (1982-83) of microfloral colonization on 0.1 x 0.1 m cleared plots on Quaternary reef limestones on Aldabra Atoll revealed considerable variability in colonization rates, with wetter sites and soft er rocks prone to more luxuriant growths. This paper reports on further studies of colour, biomass and effects of the developing microfloral communities from almost 100 out of the c. 300 original plots which were revisited in 1998. Many sites still show limited colonization Where a microfloral community has re-established, weathering effects are notable and consistent with those found on surrounding rock. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.