Download or read book Perspective on the Ecological Causes and Effects of the Variable Algal Composition of Southern Everglades Periphyton written by Joan A. Browder and published by . This book was released on 1981 with total page 136 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Periphyton, an algal assemblage which surrounds the submerged parts of higher plants and in some cases covers the bottom like a blanket, is one of the most conspicuous features of South Florida's shallow-water ecoystems--such as found within Everglades National Park. The authors conducted a study of the periphyton in Everglades National Park and the East Everglades 208 study area to: provide a quantitative description of the gross taxonomic composition of periphyton in various aquatic habitats; determine whether statistically significant differences in taxonomic composition between sites can be documented; relate variation in periphyton taxonomic composition to variation in environmental variables; and evaluate the relative potential value of various periphyton taxonomic compositions as a food source.