Porsild's bryum (Haplodontium macrocarpum) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 9

Special Significance of the Species

Mielichhoferia macrocarpa was hypothesized to belong to an ancient, once widespread flora that survived glaciation in refugia such as Beringia (Steere 1978). This rare species is probably a relatively old species adapted to habitats that have become patchily distributed on the landscape. Isozyme analysis of Alberta populations suggests that the population genetics of this species may be quite complex and distance between populations did not correspond well with genetic similarity (Cleavitt, unpubl. data). Because of its holarctic disjunct distribution this species is a valuable candidate for phylodemographic work and studies of cryptic speciation. 

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