Ecological distribution of moss-dwelling tardigrades on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Abstract

Replicate samples of tardigrades were collected at six altitudes from five mountains on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, to determine the relationship between species of tardigrades and altitude, and between species of tardigrades and species of mosses in which they were collected. A total of 13 696 tardigrades representing 39 species were collected and identified. Thirty-seven species of mosses were identified. Data were analyzed using principal components analysis and cluster analysis. The results from both multivariate statistical methods indicated that the distribution and abundance of tardigrades were not dependent upon the altitude or moss species.