Distribution Patterns and Taxonomy of Freshwater Ascomycetes Along the Florida Peninsula

Abstract

Results from ordination analysis, Sorenson's similarity index and beta diversity reveal that the freshwater ascomycete community composition differs along the temperate-subtropical ecotone of the Florida peninsula. Ordination analysis shows that pH might also be an important factor in the distribution patterns of freshwater ascomycetes in Florida. Results from the ordination analysis indicated that community composition is not significantly different between lentic and lotic habitats. One hundred species of freshwater ascomycetes were reported only on woody debris, 18 species were found on both woody and herbaceous debris, but only 14 species occurred exclusively on herbaceous debris. Most of the taxa reported from herbaceous debris were reported from lentic habitats.