Margin distance as a driving factor of macrophyte assembly in a tropical reservoir

Abstract: Aim Evaluate the structure of aquatic macrophytes assembly Jacarecica II Dam, Areia Branca, Sergipe, and verify if distance from margin is a driver for species richness, composition in this environment. Methods We settled transects where we plotted quadrats subplots. The were perpendicular relation to reservoir margin, first quadrat was placed on with four following ones completely over water surface. estimated cover area each macrophyte quadrat. Each also classified according its life form. calculated community indexes tested influence assemblies. Results sampled 10 emergent free-floating species, resulting richness 14 species. higher importance value weedy ruderal (Salvinia auriculata Eichhornia crassipes). caused changes presented negative richness. Conclusions studied presents few some presenting great dominance. This dominance reflects anthropization these habitats. Besides, are modified sense that co-occur marginal quadrats, but only occur areas more distant margin.