Distribution of Algae According to Habitat Preferences in Saline Coastal Reservoirs of Pryazov National Natural Park (Ukraine)

Abstract

This study focused on the distribution of algae in the saline coastal water bodies of Pryazov National Nature Park according to their habitat preferences. This research revealed that aquatic species form the basis of the algal flora. Among these, diatoms were predominant in terms of species richness and frequency of occurrence. In the lake-type estuaries and ephemeral water bodies, an increased number of amphibious species were found, which can be attributed to the fluctuating water level. Among the amphibious species, <i>Cyanoprokaryota</i> representatives dominate. Hierarchical clustering of the water bodies demonstrated a connection between the species composition of algae and the type of water body, which is consistent with their genesis and transformation.