Description
Macroorganisms (e.g., vascular plants, mammals) and microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) are well represented in the scientific literature. In contrast, meso-scale organisms (e.g., bryophytes, fungi, and invertebrates) are underrepresented in terms of biodiversity and genomic studies. The Missing Middle project is a global collaboration to unite taxonomic experts specializing in mesoorganisms to exchange knowledge, collect biodiversity data, discuss priorities for future meso-biodiversity studies, and contribute natural history collections and genetic data for these organisms. As an initial effort, biodiversity data were collected on bryophytes, lichens, non-lichenized fungi, and invertebrates following a controlled survey protocol at functionally similar ecosystems in California’s Redwood National Park and Norway’s coastal forests. Focusing largely on bryophytes, this presentation will discuss the taxonomic, ecological, and conservation implications resulting from these initial surveys, such as new occurrences of the CRPR 1B.2 moss Fissidens pauperculus.
Presenter Bios
M.S. John T. McLaughlin
San Jose State University
John McLaughlin is the curator of bryophytes for the Carl W. Sharsmith Herbarium at San Jose State University, which is home to over 10,000 preserved bryophyte specimens. John has been studying bryophytes since his undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and achieved his Master's degree by researching the bryophyte flora of Henry W. Coe State Park, located in Santa Clara and Stanislaus Counties. Since his graduation, John has published multiple peer-reviewed publications on the bryophyte flora of California and continues to study these fascinating organisms while working as a consulting botanist.
DateSaturday, February 7
