Algae of selected continental and maritime bogs in North America

Algal taxa (281) were identified from 31 ombrotrophic bogs and 3 weakly minerotrophic fens from Manitoba to Newfoundland. Species richness increases from continental to maritime and coastal bogs, mainly as a result of an increase in Chlorophyta, especially Desmidiaceae. Species richness is related to (i) availability of open water and (ii) habitat types. Desmids shift from Actinotaenium, Penium, and Cylindrocystis in continental bogs to Euastrum, Staurastrum, and Arthrodesmus in maritime and coastal bogs. Diatoms shift likewise from Eunotia, Navicula, and Pinnularia to Frustulia, Tabellaria, and Pinnularia. Diatom species richness is similar in continental, maritime, and coastal sites. Algal biomass is usually dominated by filamentous Zygnematales, Ulotrichales, Oedogoniales, and Nostocales. Abundant Cyanophyta with heterocysts may be significant for nitrogen budgets in bogs.