Survey, Collection and Preservation of Lower Plant Diversity in Antarctica, with Special Reference to Bryophyta

Antarctica, also known as the frozen continent, is the only geographic region in the world where vegetation is dominated by Cryptogams. The harsh climatic conditions met with in the continent has restricted its terrestrial biological diversity to ice-free areas of coastal outcrops and offshore islands, inland nunataks, mountain ranges and oases. The Paper, gives a brief overview of the biodiversity profile of Antarctica and provides detailed methodology for survey, collection, preservation and study of its bryophytes.