THE MOSSES OF DISTURBED AREAS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYAMON, PUERTO-RICO

The purpose of this study is to identify the species of mosses that ap pear in disturbed areas within the Municipality of Bayamon. Thirty-sev en species in 25 genera were found. The genus with the greatest number of species was Fissidens. Fissidens sharpii and Fissidens neglectus w ere not found in Puerto Rico previous to this study. Fissidens zolling eri was the most frequent species and was found at all study sites. Th is species is an indicator of disturbed areas. The number of species i ncreases as urbanization decreases. Sporophytes were found in 18 speci es and vegetative reproductive structures in 7 species. Species found more frequently also contained sporophytes most frequently. Pleurocarp ous species with the greatest number of collections were found coloniz ing the greatest number of substrates.