Microdistribution and water loss resistances of selected bryophytes in an Alaskan Eriophorum tussock tundra

Bryophyte species distributions were analyzed with respect to microtopography at an alpine tundra site in central Alaska which is dominated by tussocks of Eriophorum vaginatum . Bryophyte distributions were found to be significantly correlated with slope but not with azimuth. Different types of tussocks and hollows and mats between tussocks also supported different bryophyte floras. Water loss resistances of three species of moss did not account for differences in their distributions.