Substrate roughness affects stream benthic algal diversity, assemblage composition, and nestedness

• DOI: 10.1899/11-044.1
• Publication Date: 2011-10-18T20:08:26Z
• Authors: Fabiana Schneck; Albano Schwarzbold; Adriano S Melo
• Keywords: Nestedness

Heterogeneity generated by irregularities on the surface of streambed substrates is an important determinant local species diversity algae. However, few investigators have examined effects substrate roughness composition algal growth forms and patterns distribution. We influence stream benthic assemblages through a field experiment with 2 treatments (smooth rough artificial for colonization). assessed whether richness, density, assemblage algae (all taxa those in 5 growth-form groups) differed between differences were result turnover or nestedness. also used data subsampling procedure to investigate effect richness treatments. Total was higher than smooth substrates, but density did not differ Species adnate/prostrate form The erect/stalked had All other (filamentous, motile, metaphyton) substrates. results analysis indicated that affected changes (i.e., turnover). distribution nested pattern, which subgroup occurring suggest resulted from variability species’ capabilities colonize without crevices. This both nestedness turnover.