Lably
Skip to content

Sigaus australis

  • 2 min read
  • 3 chapters

Related on Lably

Through Endemism, Polymorphism (biology) and Type (biology)

Lab · Class 6–7Map ExplorerLab · Class 3–4Types of HousesLab · Class 3–4Types of Houses & MaterialsLab · Class 6–10Soil and Its Types

Distribution and habitat

Sigaus australis can be found in the southern half of the South Island, from Otago and Canterbury regions. It can be found as far south as the Takitimu Mountains and as far north as the Torless Range (43°14′39″S 171°48′34″E / 43.244052°S 171.809578°E). Sigaus australis prefer tussock grasslands between 1,300–1,700 metres (4,300–5,600 ft) elevation, however, can be found as low as 200 metres (660 ft) on the Alexandra Tailings, (45°14′49″S 169°22′07″E / 45.246895°S 169.368559°E) and as high as 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) on Smite Peak (43°21′10″S 171°14′17″E / 43.35276073°S 171.2380887°E). Evidence from mtDNA sequencing suggests that S. australis encompasses several narrow endemic taxa and one widespread species.Sigaus australis would have been more widespread during the last glacial period with both morphological and genetic signature of greater population connectivity in the past. With climate warming and low dispersal potential, S. australis will probably lose 75% to 93% of its suitable habitat by 2070.

Sign in to keep reading

2 more chapters are free with a Lably account.

More in Plants

Molecular phylogeneticsBranch of phylogeny that analyzes genetic, hereditary molecular differencesMicrometreUnit of length; one millionth of a metrePerennialPlant that lives for more than two yearsDeciduousPlants that shed leaves seasonallyGram-negative bacteriaGroup of bacteria that do not retain the Gram stain used in bacterial differentiationLegumePlants in the family Fabaceae