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Influence of physical characteristics of environment (light and current velocity) on the substrate occupation by Spirogyra sp. in stream ecosystems

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Abstract

Among the various factors that influence the distribution of macroalgae in stream ecosystems, physical environmental characteristics are those which promote faster changes in the structure and composition of these organisms. Using a study on the macroalgae Spirogyra sp. as an example, this work aimed to evaluate the influence of physical habitat characteristics (substrate size, shading, mesohabitat, and time) on this alga’s colonization process. Field studies were carried out from October 29, 2012 to February 2, 2013 in a stream located in southern Brazil. The results showed that there was a weak relationship between substrate size and abundance of Spirogyra sp. The development of macroalgae occurred mainly in open and riffle environments, emphasizing the importance of light and flowing water (probably due to the higher nutrient content and oxygenation of the water) in the occupation of the substrate. When the time is considered, the observed colonization period of Spirogyra sp. was similar to those already described for communities of stream macroalgae, and it presented a final successional pattern that is characteristic of a climax species.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Fundação Araucária for financial aid (no. 1239/2012).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departamento de Biologia, Campus de União da Vitória, Praça Coronel Amazonas, Universidade Estadual do Paraná, Caixa Postal 291, União da Vitória, Paraná, 84600-000, Brazil

    Rogério Antonio Krupek, Alexandre Empinotti, Rogério Klak Santos & Eduardo Antonio Tusset Araujo

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  1. Rogério Antonio Krupek
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  2. Alexandre Empinotti
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  3. Rogério Klak Santos
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  4. Eduardo Antonio Tusset Araujo
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Correspondence to Rogério Antonio Krupek.

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Krupek, R.A., Empinotti, A., Santos, R.K. et al. Influence of physical characteristics of environment (light and current velocity) on the substrate occupation by Spirogyra sp. in stream ecosystems. Braz. J. Bot 37, 453–459 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40415-014-0086-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40415-014-0086-x

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