Arbeitsgruppe Characeen Deutschlands

09.06.2004, Charophytes of the Baltic Sea erschienen

ISBN 3-906166-06-6, Koeltz Scientific Books (Book ID: 083962), 325 p., 6 col. plates, many line drawings and distribution maps.

 From the foreword

Compared to other submerged macrophytes, charophytes are affected already by moderate eutrophication. Therefore, they are often used as bioindicators for good water quality. Considering this sensitivity and the fact that charophyte species among charophytes are severely threatened by eutrophication of the Baltic Sea, it is surprising that these plants have not been included in international monitoring programmes. Poor knowledge about this group and determination problems may be some reasons for this. This book aims at filling these gaps.

We present information about the distribution, morphology, ecology, physiology and molecular biology regarding both the group per se and individual species. An overview of the Baltic Sea as a habitat for charophytes is given in a geographic as well as time scale perspective. A determination key for charophytes in the Baltic Sea was developed and tested by the members of the working group. Information regarding the status of investigation and valuable habitats for charophytes is given for the single countries bordering the Baltic Sea.

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