Survey and ecological distribution of Trentepohliales (Chlorophyta) in different Brazilian biomes

• Grant number: 08/10740-3
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: June 01, 2009
• End date: May 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Botany - Plant Taxonomy
• Principal Investigator: Luis Henrique Zanini Branco
• Grantee: Luis Henrique Zanini Branco
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas (IBILCE). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José do Rio Preto. São José do Rio Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Members of Trentepohliales are exclusively terrestrial, growing on soils, rocks, tree trunks, leaves, fruits and several types of artificial constructions. The order comprises a single family, Trentepohliaceae, and the genus number is still conflicting among specialists, being considered the inclusion of five (Trentpohlia, Printzina, Phycopeltis, Cephaleuros e Stomatochroon) or six genera in the family (including Physolinum, besides the previous cited genera). This group of green algae is one of the most abundant in terrestrial environments and is considered one of the less known and studied, mainly in tropical regions. Due to its relatively simple structure, the Trentepohliales are taxonomically complex and its wide morphological plasticity is related to environmental factors, making difficult specific and generic distinction. This study aims to contribute with the taxonomic knowledge by conducting floristic survey in five distinct Brazilian biomes: Cerrado (Brazilian savanna at National Parks of 'Serra da Canastra' and 'Chapada dos Veadeiros'), Dense Ombrophilous Forest (State Park of 'Serra do Mar/Picinguaba and National Park of 'Itatiaia'), Mixed Ombrophilous Forest (State Park of 'Campos do Jordão') and Restinga (State Park of 'Serra do Mar/Picinguaba'), besides Seasonal Semidecidual Forest, distributed throughout the northwestern region of São Paulo State. In addition, this project also focuses the broadening of geographical area of species records and ecological characterization of the habitat where they develop. The collected material will be subjected of internal taxonomy reappraisal by applying molecular evaluations besides the classical morphological studies. The Trentepohliales growths will be searched through the largest extension possible within each biome, considering viability of the work, and qualitatively collected on trunks, leaves and rocks. In sampling sites, physical and chemical data will also be assessed to characterize of species micro-habitat. This project includes participation of a doctoral student and two world specialists in the group taxonomy. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

LEMES-DA-SILVA, NADIA M.; GAREY, MICHEL V.; BRANCO, LUIS H. Z.. Floristic diversity, richness and distribution of Trentepohliales (Chlorophyta) in Neotropical ecosystems. Rev. bras. Bot., v. 40, n. 4, p. 14-pg., 2017-12-01. (09/03587-7, 12/19468-0, 08/10740-3)

LEMES-DA-SILVA, NADIA M.; GAREY, MICHEL V.; BRANCO, LUIS H. Z.. Floristic diversity, richness and distribution of Trentepohliales (Chlorophyta) in Neotropical ecosystems. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY, v. 40, n. 4, p. 883-896, DEC 2017. (09/03587-7, 08/10740-3, 12/19468-0)