A comparison of Desmidiaceae between Bryant Bog and Livingston Bog.

Abstract

Desmids are green algae from the order Zygnematales and the family Desmidiaceae. These algae are most abundant in soft or acidic water due to their adversity to calcium which makes bog-like areas desmid rich. Samples from ten microhabitats were taken at Bryant Bog in Cheboygan County, Michigan, and desmids from these samples were keyed to species. A digital photo was taken of each species as part of a desmid photo collection. The pH, calcium content, and total dissolved solids were measured at the south and the north ends of the bog. All the data was, then, compared to a similar desmid survey of Livingston Bog. A total of 13 genera and 36 species were found in Bryant Bog, while 11 genera and 24 species were found in Livingston Bog. Six species and nine genera were found inb oth bogs. Usage level of each bog, as well as a seasonal changes that affect the chemical composition of these communities, could explain variance in species richness. In the future, knowing more completely the conditions in which desmids thrive, could help people to understand ways in which humans activities affect the algal communities.