Effect of Rock Size, Age, and Distance on the Biodiversity of Lower Copper Creek Area Lichens: A Test of the Theory of Island Biogeography

Abstract

This study analyzed the species richness and abundance of lichens along Copper Creek, Gothic, CO., in relation to boulder size and distance from a source, in an attempt to illustrate the theory of island biogeography. Mine tailings were also sampled to determine the colonization and growth rates of lichens in the 120 years since they were created. Boulders of various ages, sizes and distances were measured for species richness and relative percent surface coverage. A slight relationship was found between size and number of lichen species present, but none between boulder distance and species. No significant difference was found at mine sites,either between tailings and bedrock, or between sites and the undisturbed scree slopes or boulder fields I analyzed for the body of my study. The general lack of statistical differences may simply be due to these hardy organisms’ excellent ability to disperse, colonize and persist in their boulder ‘island’ habitats.

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