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Adriana Marzotto

  • Biodiversity Journal, 6 (3): 709–718

    Roberto Battiston & Adriana Marzotto
    Evaluating and measuring biodiversity in a subterranean light-gradient

    ABSTRACT
    The structure and composition of the biodiversity have been analysed in a light gradient of a case-study cave in Northern Italy to evaluate the influence of light in promoting, limiting, or altering it. Minor quantitative variations have been found along the gradient but remarkable qualitative differences have been recorded and discussed on the composition of the biodiversity proceeding from the full light of the entrance toward the darkness of the deep cave. Light intensity proved to be the main limit for many troglobiont an troglophilic species migration from or to the inner part of the cave. The subterranean environment is here discussed as a model for assessing also the epigean biodiversity considering the ecological limits in conservation problems of vulnerable environments.