The Ecological Distribution of Tardigrades in Newfoundland

Abstract The ecological distribution of tardigrades on the island of Newfoundland, Canada is greatly affected by both abiotic and biotic factors. Altitude and type of bedrock are major determining factors in tardigrade distribution while both moisture content of the environment and rate of dessication of the mosses and lichens in which they live appear to be other factors contributing to their distribution. A number of cases of apparent competitive exclusion and inter-specific competition have been noted which probably also affect tardigrade distribution.