Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://biore.bio.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/4343
Title: Endolithic phototrophs: Examples from cave-like environments
Authors: Popović, Slađana 
Nikolić, Nataša
Predojević, Dragana 
Jakovljević, Olga 
Rađa, Tonči
Anđelković, Ana
Subakov-Simić, Gordana 
Keywords: endoliths;aerophytic Cyanobacteria and algae;cave-like environments;diversity;ecology
Issue Date: 2021
Rank: M24
Journal: Kragujevac Journal of Science
Abstract: 
Endoliths are more frequently found in extremely harsh environments, but
they can inhabit mesic climate and subterranean habitats as well. Whether they are
adapted to life inside rocks or do they seek refuge in this way, remains largely unknown
for caves and pits. Consequently, subterranean habitats in limestone areas, were explored:
three caves in Serbia (Cerjanska, Petnička and Potpeć) and one pit in Croatia (Keranova
Golubinka). Sampling of rock substratum containing endoliths was performed at various
distances from the entrance, at sites characterized by a lower level of light intensity.
Phototrophs were separated from the rock matrix using 10% hydrochloric acid and
analyzed using light microscopy. In general, a low diversity of endoliths was observed,
but representatives from Cyanobacteria, Chlorophyta and Xanthophyta were found.
Cyanobacteria, more precisely coccoid forms (genera Aphanocapsa, Chroococcidiopsis,
Gloeocapsa, Gloeocapsopsis, Synechococcus), were dominant. The most interesting
cyanobacterial taxon, Leptolyngbya-like taxon, representing a true endolith (euendolith),
was found in the Petnička Cave. This taxon and its relation to the substratum, as well as
chasmoendolithic community from the Keranova Golubinka Pit, were observed using
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was observed that chasmoendoliths inhabit
already existing surface rock cracks and fissures, while a true endolith actively bores into
the substratum. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) was performed to observe
the similarity between the sampling sites. Endoliths can grow inside the rocks, making
them very successful biodeteriogens, which is not a desirable trait for caves and pits that
are characterized by various attractive geomorphological features that need to be
preserved. Thus, considering these habitats, more attention should be paid to the endolith
community in the future.
URI: https://biore.bio.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/4343
DOI: 10.5937/KgJSci2143123P
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