Nv. Druzhkov et Pr. Makarevich, Comparison of the phytoplankton assemblages of the south-eastern Barents Sea and south-western Kara Sea: Phytogeographical status of the regions, BOTAN MARIN, 42(2), 1999, pp. 103-115
A comparison of the taxonomic composition of the diatom and dinoflagellate
assemblages has been carried out for the south-eastern Parents Sea (Pechora
Sea) and the south-western Kara Sea. All available literature and original
data have been used in making the floristic lists which have been correcte
d for synonymy. The number of microphytoplankton species found in the south
-western Kara Sea is somewhat higher than in the south-eastern Parents Sea
(221 vs. 184 species respectively). The difference is most significant for
the dinoflagellates (88 vs. 67 species). Diatoms formed a major part of the
communities, accounting for 60% of the taxonomic composition in the Kara S
ea, and 63% in the Parents Sea. In both regions, about 60% of the diatom as
semblages are represented by centric diatoms, most of them being typical pl
anktonic chain-forming species. A high similarity between the two areas was
characteristic for most phytogeographical and ecological groups of the pel
agic microalgae, and therefore we suggest that the plankton communities for
m a floristic entity with the status of a phytogeographical province. We na
me it the Novaya Zemlya Phytogeographical Province. The major reason for co
nsidering these two areas a biogeographical unit, is the similarity in the
microphytoplankton assemblages and the stable water exchange which exists b
etween the areas.