Genetic diversity, mutagenesis and dispersal of Antarctic mosses - a review of progress with molecular studies

In investigating the extent of genetic diversity in Antarctic mosses the RA PD technique has proven especially useful in demonstrating that these mosse s exhibit extensive genetic variation (levels being similar to those in tem perate regions), and that within-colony variation is apparently caused not only by immigration and establishment of propagules from elsewhere, but als o by mutagenesis. Dispersal of these mosses can also be followed using the RAPD technique; both short-distance dispersal by wind or water (depending o n the moss species) and longer distance dispersal by wind across the ice ca p has been demonstrated Relationships with temperate mosses of the same spe cies are being investigated to determine the origins of Antarctic populatio ns. Genetic technology is also facilitating the taxonomic identification of moss specimens which cannot be identified morphologically due to phenotypi c plasticity in Antarctica. Together, these genetic studies are starting to provide information of fundamental scientific importance for understanding the evolution, origins and dispersal mechanisms of Antarctic mosses, and t heir response to climate change.