Vertical survey of cell biomass and species diversity of epiphytic algae on Scirpus acutus from Big Shoal on Douglas Lake.

Abstract

Does the cell biomass or species diversity differ on a stem of Scirpus acutus with respect to depth? This experiment was designed to answer this question. Three stems of Scirpus acutus were taken at three different depths and analyzed. The cell biomass was determined for each section of each stem. The species were identified and compared to look for differences in species diversity among the different depths. The data were analzyed using regression analysis tests. From the samples taken, the statistical analysis showed no significant differences in the cell biomass or species diversity. However, when looking at the data, obvious differences are seen. The sample sizes were too small to show statistical differences.