A comparative study on floral ecology between Malaysia and Antarctica

The major objectives of this project are as follows:

1. To determine the composition and distribution of algal flora from a wide
range of habitats, which provide a conductive niche for algal population in
Antarctica.
2. To compare the Antarctic and tropical algal flora, in order to determine the
degree of species endemism based on evolutionary process.
3. To study the important role of habitat specificity in determining the
composition of diatom assemblages.
4. To test the utility and suitability of diatom community structure as
indicators of environmental stress.

This is done by: 1. Conducting an ecological survey of microalgal distribution
at Australian Antarctic station sites by looking into several types of habitat.
2. Identifying the microalgae samples collected based on morphology using light
microscopy and SEM. 3. Comparing the algae community, structure and
distribution from the tropics.

The principal milestones of the project are as follows: 1. Information of
microalgal distribution at several sites in Antarctica. 2. Collection of
microalgae cultures. 3. Completion of identification of Antarctic microalgae.
In collaboration with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) we have gone on
an expeditions to Australian Antarctic Station of Casey and Davis. Collection
of samples was made from various sources such as water, snow and soil and we
have established a list of microalgae species in our collection. Comparative
studies on the species diversity and distribution with tropical microalgae
communities are being conducted. Physiological studies are currently in
progress.