BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY OF THE SEAGRASSES OF BRAZIL

Abstract

Marine phanerogams (also known as seagrasses) constitute an important and diverse habitat of coastal zones. In the present study, the state of knowledge about the biology and ecology of Brazilian seagrasses is analyzed. Despite there being relatively few studies carried out in Brazil, we critically discussed the following themes: richness and distribution of seagrass species along the coast; morphology and environmental conditions within the seagrass beds; reproductive biology and phenology; productivity, growth, the biomass and density of the plants; the seagrass habitat itself and its flora and fauna; trophic relationships and connectivity with other habitats (reefs, mangroves, estuaries etc.); and the degradation and impacts due to man activities. Moreover, areas for future study are pointed out.