Community Structure of Epilithic Moss Mites and Their Response to Environmental Factors in Different Grades of Rocky Desertification Habitats

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

This study provides a reference for studying the community structure of bryophyte mites under different rocky desertification conditions and their response to environmental factors. Basically, the manuscript is well organized and well written. However, I have some editorial and technical comments, as listed below, to the authors for further improving the quality of this paper.

1.In the introduction part, the research on mites is more specific. In order to fit the theme of the research article, it is suggested to supplement some research results of moss mites.

2.In the part of plot setting and sample collection, the author expressed the detailed sampling method. It is suggested that the author increase the reference basis, list the references, and increase the scientific and representative sampling.

3.It is recommended that Table 1 adopt a horizontal layout or adjust the data font structure to make it clearer. Or presented in the form of an appendix.

4. It is recommended to adjust the relevant font size of Figure 5 to make the graphics clearer.

5. Some more relative references about the Yellow River Delta should be added and cited in the section of Introduction.

The Changes of Spatiotemporal Pattern of Rocky Desertification and Its Dominant Driving Factors in Typical Karst Mountainous Areas under the Background of Global Change

The Change Pattern and Its Dominant Driving Factors of Wetlands in the Yellow River Delta Based on Sentinel-2 Images

Author Response

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Reviewer 2 Report

This paper concern "Community structure of epilithic moss mites and their response  to environmental factors in different grades of rocky desertifi-3 cation habitats" which is very important to ecosystem stability. While, the authors only studied the effects of temperature and humidity on soil animals and did not consider other soil properties. It should be discussed in the discussion section on what impact soil properties may have on soil animals. In the part of "2.3. Isolation and identification of moss mites", many statements should be more specific.   " ......heated continuously for 24 ~ 48 h. ", How long is it going on? it should be expressed accurately.

Author Response

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Reviewer 3 Report

Congratulations, a very interesting contribution! But always keep this citation of Carl Friedrich Gauss (1777-1855) in mind: ... "Nothing shows mathematical incomprehension more clearly than excessive accuracy in numerical calculation." and therefore limit the use of decimals as follows:

123

12.3

1.23

0.123

 

In all Tabs and figs: explain every abbrevation used and describe exactly what you are showing there, tabs and figs must be readable und understandable  without reading the main text!

Fig 4: types are at least for my eyes too small to be readable!

 

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

I am satisfied with the revision of the manuscript.