Modelling bryophytes distribution pattern using environmental parameters of Iran in Geographical Information Systems (GIS): a case study of three genera Tortula, Grimmia and Bryum (Bryophyta)

In the present study, a modelling approach based on Geographical Information Systems (GIS) analysis is presented with the aim of identifying the influence of environmental parameters on three genera, namely, Tortula, Grimmia and Bryum as representatives of Iranian bryoflora. By using ArcGIS Desktop, we produced a model for environmental variables include altitude, precipitation, temperature and humidity. To test the model, we surveyed the effect of selected geographical and environmental variables including altitude, latitude, annual mean precipitation, maximum, minimum, and mean temperatures and humidity on distribution pathern of these three genera. Within 108 localities, 52 samples of Bryum (48%), 33 samples of Grimmia (30%) and 24 samples of Tortula (22%) were recorded.