Phytolith Research Insights from South Asia: Current Studies at Manipal Academy of Higher Education
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- October 3, 2024
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India
Dr Vivek Pandi – Manipal Centre for Natural Sciences (MCNS), Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Research Title: Spatial Distribution and Reliability of Grass Phytolith Assemblages Across Elevation and Vegetation Gradients in the Nilgiri Biogeographical Region, Western Ghats
Assistant Professor: This study aims to examine the spatial distribution of grass phytolith assemblages in the soil surface across varying elevation and vegetation gradients in the Nilgiri biogeographical region, a critical part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. By analyzing the phytoliths derived from grasses, the study seeks to assess their reliability as indicators for interpreting past vegetation and climate changes in this ecologically significant area. The research will contribute to a better understanding of the role of grass phytoliths in paleoenvironmental reconstructions and their potential for inferring historical ecological patterns within the Western Ghats.
Gayathri Rajendiran – Manipal Centre for Natural Sciences (MCNS), Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Research Title: Applications of Grass Phytolith as a Proxy for Climate and Vegetation Interpretation in the Western Ghats: A Paleoecological Approach
PhD Student
Supervisor: Dr Vivek Pandi, Assistant Professor, Manipal Centre for Natural Sciences, MAHE
This proposed research aims to investigate the spatial distribution of modern phytolith assemblages within the Western Ghats (WG) and to establish a relationship between these assemblages and environmental parameters. Understanding the spatial distribution patterns of grass phytoliths and their indices will offer insights into the vegetation dynamics and ecological processes within the WG. Additionally, this study seeks to reconstruct the paleoenvironment using phytoliths as a primary proxy from core sediments collected in the WG.
Nidhi V – JSS College, Karnatak University Dharwad
Research Title: Paleofire reconstruction using colour changes in burned phytoliths as proxies for historical fire activity
Graduate student in Botany & Chemistry
Supervisor: Dr Vivek Pandi, Assistant Professor, Manipal Centre for Natural Sciences, MAHE
Fire significantly shapes ecosystems and influences biodiversity. Understanding historical fire patterns is crucial for reconstructing environmental landscapes and predicting ecosystem responses to forthcoming epochal climate drift. This research investigates the colour shifts in burned phytoliths as markers of thermal exposure and fire severity. By tracing the transformation from lighter to darker hues, this study quantifies the extent of burning. It correlates these changes with the distinct fire intensities and durations to decipher ancient fire events and their ecological repercussions. This integrative analysis offers insights into fire-driven changes in phytolith colour and morphology, advancing the understanding of their role in fire regime dynamics and archaic ecosystem oscillations. The approach herein contributes to predictive models of how contemporary ecosystems may adapt to increasing fire frequencies in the context of evolving wildfire patterns and climate-induced vegetation perturbations.
Mahim B – Manipal Centre for Natural Sciences, MAHE
Research Title: Nutritional ecology of two non-human primate species with contrasting feeding behaviour in the Central Western Ghats of India
PhD Student
Supervisor: Dr Vivek Pandi, Assistant Professor, Manipal Centre for Natural Sciences, MAHE
Description: This study delves into the nutritional ecology of two primate species Macaca silenus and Semnopithecus hypoleucos in the Central Western Ghats of India. Dust, grit, and silica deposits such as phytoliths cause enamel abrasion in herbivores. The amount of microwear on the enamel surfaces of the primate’s molar teeth is correlated to the consumption of food as well as the presence of dirt and plant silica deposits. A part of this study investigates the effects of phytoliths and other silica deposits in promoting or deterring the food choices of Semnopithecus hypoleucos, predominantly folivorous primates.
Nanditha Narendran – Manipal Institute of Technology, MAHE
Research Title: Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction of Shantisagara Lake Sediment Core Using Phytoliths
Postgraduate student – Geology
Supervisors: Dr Vivek Pandi, Assistant Professor, Manipal Centre for Natural Sciences, MAHE
Dr Anish Kumar Warrier, Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology
This study focuses on the paleoenvironmental reconstruction of Shantisagara Lake in Karnataka, the second-largest man-made lake in Asia, using phytoliths as a proxy from sediment core samples. A sediment core was obtained using a UWITEC piston corer, and 15 core sections (SSB1 to SSB15) were analyzed for phytolith content. Phytoliths were extracted using the density method, following the removal of organic materials and carbonates, and were subsequently mounted on slides for microscopic analysis. The phytolith assemblages varied across different depths, with elongated forms dominating the initial layers. A significant increase in phytolith concentration was observed at depth SSB9, suggesting a possible period of climatic change, characterized by the dominance of blocky pitted phytoliths. The results suggest shifts in both vegetation and climate over time, offering valuable insights into the historical environmental conditions of Shantisagara Lake. This research contributes to understanding past climate dynamics and enhances the paleoclimatic record of the region.
Vishnu Shreekara Bhat K – Manipal Centre for Natural Sciences, MAHE
Research Title: Phytoliths of Indianthus (Roxb.) Suksathan & Borchs Marantaceae from various sites
PhD Student
Supervisor: Dr Vivek Pandi, Assistant Professor, Manipal Centre for Natural Sciences, MAHE
This study explores the phytoliths of Indianthus virgatus (Roxb.) Suksathan & Borchs., a monotypic species from the Marantaceae family, distributed across the Western Ghats of India, and Sri Lanka. Indianthus virgatus is an endemic, rhizomatous herb found in wet tropical biomes and holds ecological and evolutionary significance due to its population disjunction across Indo-Ceylon regions. The research aims to identify and classify the distinctive phytolith morphotypes produced by Indianthus from various collection sites, contributing to the phytolith reference database for Marantaceae. The analysis of phytoliths will help explore their role in understanding plant adaptation, diversification, and biogeographical patterns in light of the vicariance-dispersal hypothesis. By combining phytolith morphology with species distribution models, the study aims to provide insights into the historical distribution and possible climatic niche shifts of Indianthus virgatus. This work is critical for paleoecological reconstruction and conservation of endangered species.
Anuroop Kumar B – SDM College (Autonomous), Ujire
Research Title: Reconstructing the Paleoenvironment of Myristica Swamps Using Phytoliths: A Conservation Perspective
Post graduate student – Biotechnology
Supervisor: Dr Vivek Pandi, Assistant Professor, Manipal Centre for Natural Sciences, MAHE
The Myristica swamps, relics of primaeval forests, represent one of the most critical and endangered wetland ecosystems in the Western Ghats. These unique freshwater swamps are home to endemic flora and fauna, providing crucial habitats, yet they remain under significant threat due to habitat loss and environmental changes. Understanding the paleoenvironmental history of these swamps is key to developing effective conservation strategies. This study focuses on using phytolith analysis to reconstruct the paleoenvironment of the Myristica swamps. Phytoliths, microscopic silica bodies produced by plants, have high preservation potential and offer valuable insights into past vegetation and environmental conditions. By analyzing phytolith assemblages from sediment cores, this research aims to bridge existing knowledge gaps about the historical vegetation and ecological dynamics of these wetlands. The findings will contribute to both paleoecological reconstruction and contemporary conservation efforts for the Myristica swamps, guiding strategies to protect this highly threatened ecosystem.