Aquatic macrophytes of Northeastern Brazil: checklist, richness, distribution and life forms [with erratum]

Aquatic plants have great influence on the structure and dynamics of aquatic ecosystems, thereby contributing considerably to biodiversity. In Brazil, knowledge of the biodiversity of aquatic macroflora is still limited. We present a checklist of aquatic macrophytes occurring in the northeastern region of Brazil through a bibliographic search. We recorded a total of 412 species, 217 genera and 72 families. The most representative families were Cyperaceae (70 species), Poaceae (38), Fabaceae (27) and Asteraceae (20). The States with highest number of species were Pernambuco (370), Bahia (360), Ceará (267) and Paraíba (261). The best-represented life forms were amphibious (193 species) and emergent (100). The aquatic flora of Northeastern Brazil exhibits high species richness; however, there is a scarcity of records of aquatic macrophytes for the States of Alagoas, Rio Grande do Norte, Maranhão, Sergipe and Piauí.

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Updated checklist of aquatic macrophytes from Northern Brazil

Acta Amazonica ◽

10.1590/1809-4392201402662 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 45 (2) ◽

pp. 111-132 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Edson Gomes de MOURA JÚNIOR ◽

Raíssa Maria Sampaio de PAIVA ◽

Angélica Cândida FERREIRA ◽

Lucília Dias PACOPAHYBA ◽

Aldaléa Sprada TAVARES ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Aquatic Macrophytes ◽

Floristic Similarity ◽

Field Collection ◽

Biogeographic Patterns ◽

Total Species Richness ◽

Amphibious Plants ◽

Aquatic Flora ◽

Bibliographic Search ◽

Northern Brazil ◽

Total Species

Field collection and herbaria data did not allow to quantify the diversity of aquatic plants from Northern Brazil, so we could not detect biogeographic patterns. Therefore, our objectives were to identify and quantify the aquatic macrophytes of North Brazilian states, analyzing herbaria data plataforms (SpeciesLink and Flora do Brasil). The checklist was produced by bibliographic search (articles published between 1980 and 2000), herbaria collections of the platforms SpeciesLink and Flora do Brasil and field expeditions, where we utilized asystematic sampling. We also analyzed the floristic similarity of aquatic macrophytes among Northern Brazil, wetlands of distinct Brazilian regions and the Neotropics. We recorded 539 species, of which 48 are endemic to Brazil. The states with highest number of species were Amazonas and Pará, independently on platform. The most represented families were Poaceae (89 species), Podostemaceae (55), Cyperaceae (50) and Fabaceae (47). We highlight the unprecedent richness of Podostemaceae, due to our own field collection efforts on favorable habitats, 25 species being endemic. Emergent and/or amphibious plants (515) were dominant in total species richness and were best represented in lotic habitats. We found significant differences in richness and floristics among states, obtained from the platforms. There is floristic similarity among Northern states and other Brazilian wetlands. In conclusion, we observed a rich aquatic flora in Northern Brazil, in spite of scarcity of records for Acre, Rondonia and Tocantins; we highlight the unprecedent number of endemic species of Podostemaceae (25) and contrasting richness between SpeciesLink and Flora do Brasil.

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Diversity of macrophytes in the Amazon deforestation arc: information on their distribution, life-forms and habits

Rodriguésia ◽

10.1590/2175-7860202172117 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 72 ◽

Author(s):

Ana Luísa Biondi Fares ◽

Raimundo Luiz Morais de Sousa ◽

Ely Simone Cajueiro Gurgel ◽

André dos Santos Bragança Gil ◽

Carlos Alberto Santos da Silva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Aquatic Ecosystems ◽

Aquatic Macrophytes ◽

Anthropogenic Activities ◽

Life Forms ◽

Biological Processes ◽

Macrophyte Species ◽

Form Part ◽

Arc Of Deforestation ◽

Northern Brazil ◽

Suitable Habitats

Abstract The Amazon possesses the largest fluvial system on the planet, harboring a diverse biota. Still, many species remain undescribed, because of the Amazon’s immense scale and complexity, and because many habitats are now increasingly under pressure from anthropogenic activities. Macrophytes are important to physical and biological processes in aquatic ecosystems but remain poorly studied in Northern Brazil. The objective of this study was to provide a checklist of macrophyte species that occur in municipalities that form part of the Arc of Deforestation, Pará state, Brazil, bringing information on their habits and life-forms. We sampled 36 sites at three types of aquatic ecosystems (streams, ponds and lakes). In total, we recorded 50 species, 38 genera and 24 families. Most species were amphibious or emergent. Degraded streams have environmental characteristics similar to lentic habitats, which could provide more suitable habitats for macrophytes that otherwise would not occur in lotic habitats, thus explaining the higher diversity in these ecosystems. Macrophyte diversity in this region follows similar patterns to other Brazilian regions. This study contributes to the assessment of aquatic macrophytes in the Amazon, especially in more degraded regions, such as the Amazon deforestation arc.

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Diverse role of Macrophytes in aquatic ecosystems: A brief review

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH AND REVIEW ◽

10.52756/ijerr.2019.v19.005 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 ◽

pp. 40-48

Author(s):

Mitu De ◽

◽

Chayanika Roy ◽

Suchismita Medda ◽

Sulagna Roy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Aquatic Ecosystem ◽

Aquatic Ecosystems ◽

Aquatic Macrophytes ◽

Food Source ◽

Aquatic Vegetation ◽

Submerged Macrophytes ◽

Freshwater Ecosystems ◽

Aquatic Life ◽

Aquatic Flora

The aquatic ecosystem is composed of aquatic flora and fauna which interact together in maintaining the aquatic ecosystem. Aquatic macrophytes are macroscopic forms of aquatic vegetation, including macro algae, mosses, ferns and angiosperms found in aquatic habitat. Macrophytes of freshwater ecosystems have diverse roles to play in the structure and functioning of these aquatic ecosystems. The depth, density, diversity and types of macrophytes present in a system are indicators of water body health. Aquatic vegetation can influence the water quality too. Macrophytes are considered as an important component of the aquatic ecosystem as the habitat and food source for aquatic life. Of all the biological treatments for controlling eutrophication, submerged macrophytes, has been recognized as being the most effective. This paper is a brief review of the diverse role of macrophytes in an aquatic ecosystem.

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MACRÓFITAS AQUÁTICAS DA COLEÇÃO DO HERBÁRIO DO MARANHÃO (MAR) = AQUATIC MACROPHYTES OF THE COLLECTION OF HERBARIUM OF MARANHÃO (MAR)

Boletim do Laboratório de Hidrobiologia ◽

10.18764/1981-6421e2021.4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Marlla Maria Barbosa Arouche ◽

Luann Brendo da Silva Costa ◽

Thauana Oliveira Rabelo ◽

Regis Catarino da Hora ◽

Arnildo Pott ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Aquatic Ecosystems ◽

Aquatic Macrophytes ◽

Basic Research ◽

Life Forms ◽

Sampling Effort ◽

Water Network ◽

Collection Site ◽

Macrophyte Species ◽

Floating Plants ◽

Conservation Of Biodiversity

Os estudos de macrófitas aquáticas têm contribuído para compreensão estrutural e funcional deste grupo de plantas nos ambientes em questão. Mesmo com a importância dessas pesquisas para a conservação da biodiversidade e dos recursos hídricos, os estudos básicos sobre macrófitas ainda são insuficientes diante da dimensão e do grande número de ecossistemas aquáticos no Brasil. Quando falamos do Maranhão esses estudos são ainda mais escassos tendo em vista que a nossa rede hídrica é composta por 12 bacias hidrográficas que corresponde a aproximadamente 60% do território do Estado. Com intuito de atender essa demanda e conhecer a diversidade de espécies e suas distribuições nos ecossistemas maranhenses, foi feito um levantamento das macrófitas aquáticas registradas no acervo do Herbário Maranhão (MAR), complementado com os dados do SpeciesLink. A lista gerada segue a proposta de classificação do APG IV (2016) incluindo informações como: voucher, local de coleta e formas de vida. Foi listado um total de 40 espécies, distribuídas em 28 gêneros e 18 famílias. As famílias mais numerosas foram Cyperaceae e Onagraceae (5 espécies cada), Araceae e Pontederiaceae (4 spp.) e Alismataceae, Lentibulariaceae e Poaceae (3 spp.). Em relação às formas biológicas, 35% são plantas emergentes, 25% anfíbias; 20% flutuantes livres e 20% flutuantes fixas. O material foi registrado em 19 municípios do Estado e entre as primeiras coletas e outros registros houve um hiato de coleta por 20 anos, o que reforça a falta de dados para a área e a necessidade de maior esforço amostral para o Estado do Maranhão.ABSTRACTStudies of aquatic macrophytes have contributed to the conservation of biodiversity and water resources. However, basic research on macrophytes are still insufficient given the size and large number of aquatic ecosystems in Brazil. Regarding Maranhão, such studies are even scarcer in view of our water network composed of 12 hydrographic basins that correspond to approximately 60% of the territory of Maranhão State. Thus, the objective of the study was to know the diversity and distribution of macrophyte species in the ecosystems of Maranhão registered at the Herbarium in Maranhão (MAR). For this, surveys were carried out in the collection of Herbarium MAR complemented with data from the SpeciesLink databank, and included information such as voucher, collection site and life forms. The survey included 40 species were listed, distributed into 28 genera and 18 families. The most numerous families were Cyperaceae and Onagraceae (5 species, each),Araceae and Pontederiaceae (4 species, each), and Alismataceae, Lentibulariaceae and Poaceae (3 species, each). Regarding biological forms, 35% are emergent, 25% amphibious; 20% free floatingand 20% rooted floating plants. The material was registered in 19 municipalities of the Maranhão State. Among the first collections and recent records there was a collection gap for 20 years, that highlights the need for more sampling effort for Maranhão state.

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Role of macrophyte life forms in driving periphytic microalgal assemblages in a Brazilian reservoir

Journal of Limnology ◽

10.4081/jlimnol.2015.1071 ◽

2015 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Ubirajara L. Fernandes ◽

Elaine C.C. De Oliveira ◽

Sírleis R. Lacerda

Keyword(s):

Aquatic Macrophytes ◽

Aquatic Macrophyte ◽

Sampling Site ◽

Morphological Characteristics ◽

Aquatic Organisms ◽

Life Forms ◽

Frequency Diversity ◽

Floating Macrophyte ◽

High Species Richness

Macrophytes play several roles in aquatic ecosystems, including the provision of habitat for many aquatic organisms, especially the periphyton. The aims of this study were to characterize the structure of periphytic microalgal assemblages on different aquatic macrophyte life forms in order to establish similarities between assemblages from nearby sampling sites. We hypothesized that i) aquatic macrophytes with different life forms and morphological characteristics could differently influence the structure of the periphyton and that ii) the greatest similarity in periphyton composition should be observed among macrophytes that occupy the same sampling site. The study was conducted from 2006 to 2008 in the Thomaz Osterne de Alencar reservoir (Crato City, Ceará State, Brazil) and involved the taxonomic surveying of microalgae attached to five different macrophytes with the application of structural descriptors (richness, abundance, frequency, diversity and equitability). A total of 127 taxa, of which 44% belonged to the Chlorophyta, were identified. The microalgae assemblages showed high species richness on Salvinia auriculata Aubl., a free-floating macrophyte, and large abundance on Apalanthe granatensis (Humb. & Bonpl.) Planch., a submerged anchored macrophyte. ANOVA indicated that periphyton significantly varied among the macrophytes investigated, and nearby sampling sites showed no structural similarities in microalgal assemblages. In general, we can conclude that the structure of periphyton assemblages is influenced by the substrate (i.e., macrophyte organ), as this can not only promote high diversity and equitability but can also be a predictor of dissimilarity in the distribution and frequency of occurrence of microalgae. These results reinforce the findings of other studies that have shown that macrophytes play an important role in structuring the periphyton assemblages.

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Distribution of planktonic microcrustaceans (Cladocera and Copepoda) in lentic and lotic environments from the semiarid region in northeastern Brazil

Iheringia Série Zoologia ◽

10.1590/1678-4766e2020002 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 110 ◽

Author(s):

Leidiane P. Diniz ◽

Cláudio S. de Morais Júnior ◽

Ittalo L.S. Medeiros ◽

Alef J. da Silva ◽

Alan P. Araújo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Aquatic Ecosystems ◽

Zooplankton Community ◽

Rio Grande ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Semiarid Region ◽

Number Of Species ◽

Abundance Patterns ◽

Lotic Environments ◽

Long Term Studies

Abstract The present study aimed to inventory the biodiversity of planktonic microcrustaceans (Cladocera and Copepoda) in 44 environments from the semiarid region of Brazil, increasing the knowledge about zooplankton community, including phytophilous species. Between 2011 and 2017, organisms were collected in a non - systematic way in the states of Rio Grande do Norte, Pernambuco, Ceará and Paraíba. A total of 60 species of planktonic microcrustaceans were identified, of which 52 were cladocerans and eight were copepods. The basin that presented the highest richness was Pajeú River with 41 species. Nevertheless, the extrapolated number of species shows an increasing tendency for this basin. The genus composition was different between the basins, with Moxotó basin (Pernambuco) being isolated from the others, probably since lagoons were the only type of environment sampled in this basin. Richness and abundance patterns were higher for the basins where sampling was mainly performed in lentic environments, such as Pajeú and Moxotó. Microcrustacean inventories and long-term studies need to be conducted more frequently to better understand the biodiversity of continental aquatic ecosystems in the semiarid region of Brazil.

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A New Species of Justicia (Acanthaceae: Acanthoideae: Justicieae) from Northeastern Brazil

Systematic Botany ◽

10.1600/036364420x15862837791177 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 45 (2) ◽

pp. 328-333

Author(s):

Camila Alcantara ◽

Gleison Soares ◽

Francisco de Assis Ribeiro dos Santos ◽

Marccus Alves

Keyword(s):

New Species ◽

Rio Grande ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Distribution Map ◽

Key To Species ◽

A New Species

Abstract—Justicia rubrobracteata, a new species from northeastern Brazil, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to J. aequilabris due to its shrubby habit, and terminal and axillary spicate inflorescences with red flowers. However, J. rubrobracteata is differentiated mainly by the shape and color of its bracts and bracteoles as well as an orangish macula in the corolla, and a torulose capsule. In addition, J. rubrobracteata is only known from northeastern Brazil, from the states of Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte, while J. aequilabris is widely distributed in Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay. A table with the main morphological characters of both species is included, as well as photographs, a key to species of Justicia for the states of Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte in northeastern Brazil, a distribution map of both species, and conservation data for the new species.

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Mesozoic dinosaurs from Brazil and their biogeographic implications

Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências ◽

10.1590/s0001-37652011000100003 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 83 (1) ◽

pp. 23-60 ◽

Cited By ~ 38

Author(s):

Jonathas S. Bittencourt ◽

Max C. Langer

Keyword(s):

North Africa ◽

Rio Grande ◽

Species Level ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Late Triassic ◽

Close Correspondence ◽

Rio Grande Do Sul ◽

Central Brazil ◽

South Central ◽

Nomina Dubia

The record of dinosaur body-fossils in the Brazilian Mesozoic is restricted to the Triassic of Rio Grande do Sul and Cretaceous of various parts of the country. This includes 21 named species, two of which were regarded as nomina dubia, and 19 consensually assigned to Dinosauria. Additional eight supraspecific taxa have been identified based on fragmentary specimens and numerous dinosaur footprints known in Brazil. In fact, most Brazilian specimens related to dinosaurs are composed of isolated teeth and vertebrae. Despite the increase of fieldwork during the last decade, there are still no dinosaur body-fossils of Jurassic age and the evidence of ornithischians in Brazil is very limited. Dinosaur faunas from this country are generally correlated with those from other parts of Gondwana throughout the Mesozoic. During the Late Triassic, there is a close correspondence to Argentina and other south-Pangaea areas. Mid-Cretaceous faunas of northeastern Brazil resemble those of coeval deposits of North Africa and Argentina. Southern hemisphere spinosaurids are restricted to Africa and Brazil, whereas abelisaurids are still unknown in the Early Cretaceous of the latter. Late Cretaceous dinosaur assemblages of south-central Brazil are endemic only to genus or, more conspicuously, to species level, sharing closely related taxa with Argentina, Madagascar, Indo-Pakistan and, to a lesser degree, continental Africa.

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Feather mites (Acari, Astigmata) associated with birds in an Atlantic Forest fragment in Northeastern Brazil

Brazilian Journal of Biology ◽

10.1590/1519-6984.23313 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 75 (3) ◽

pp. 726-735 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

HM Silva ◽

FA Hernandes ◽

M Pichorim

Keyword(s):

Atlantic Forest ◽

Bird Species ◽

Rio Grande ◽

Neotropical Region ◽

Species Level ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Forest Fragment ◽

Visual Examination ◽

Feather Mites ◽

First Time

AbstractThe present study reports associations between feather mites (Astigmata) and birds in an Atlantic Forest fragment in Rio Grande do Norte state, in Brazil. In the laboratory, mites were collected through visual examination of freshly killed birds. Overall, 172 individuals from 38 bird species were examined, between October 2011 and July 2012. The prevalence of feather mites was 80.8%, corresponding to 139 infested individuals distributed into 30 species and 15 families of hosts. Fifteen feather mite taxa could be identified to the species level, sixteen to the genus level and three to the subfamily level, distributed into the families Analgidae, Proctophyllodidae, Psoroptoididae, Pteronyssidae, Xolalgidae, Trouessartiidae, Falculiferidae and Gabuciniidae. Hitherto unknown associations between feather mites and birds were recorded for eleven taxa identified to the species level, and nine taxa were recorded for the first time in Brazil. The number of new geographic records, as well as the hitherto unknown mite-host associations, supports the high estimates of diversity for feather mites of Brazil and show the need for research to increase knowledge of plumicole mites in the Neotropical region.

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Risk factors for trypanosomiasis by Trypanosoma vivax in cattle raised in Rio Grande do Norte state

Arquivos do Instituto Biológico ◽

10.1590/1808-1657000232016 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 85 (0) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jael Soares Batista ◽

Gabriela Hémylin Ferreira Moura ◽

Francisco Canindé Lopes ◽

Kaliane Alessandra Rodrigues de Paiva ◽

Hélio Noberto de Araújo Júnior ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Rio Grande ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Trypanosoma Vivax ◽

Serum Samples ◽

European Breed ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Lactating Cows ◽

Two Samples ◽

Semi Arid Region

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of anti Trypanosoma vivax antibodies and the possible risk factors associated with the infection in cattle in Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil, through a cross-sectional epidemiological study, with non-probabilistic convenience sampling. A total of 467 cattle’s serum samples were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence. Forty-two samples tested positive for Trypanosoma vivax IgG antibodies, corresponding to the prevalence of 9%. Risk factors influencing the occurrence of trypanosomiasis were milk exploration, raising of European breeds, productivity category: lactation cow, purchase of new cattle, foraging habits near ponds and rivers, and the presence of mechanical vectors. So, high prevalence in beef animals (59.5%), females (95.2%), European breed (88.1%), lactating cows (85.7%), pasture at banks of dams and rivers (95.2%), in addition to the presence of mechanical vectors (81%) and acquisition of animals (88.1%), indicates the expansion of trypanosomiasis in Northeastern semi-arid region, and the information obtained may explain the epidemiological factors that determine the occurrence of trypanosomiasis by T. vivax in this region.

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