This study significantly contributes to biodiversity research in New Zealand by comparing ombrotrophic and minerotrophic wetland types with respect to habitat heterogeneity and species diversity of benthic diatom communities (Bacillariophyceae). Investigations include a detailed analysis of hydrochemical and hydrophysical parameters as well as their relevance in relation to diatom abundance. Four new taxa of the genus Frustulia are described and differentiated from established species. Within the scope of an extensive statistical approach, new methods were adopted in addition to well-known techniques to assess reproducibility of the results. The suitability of benthic diatoms as wetland indicators is discussed.     «

This study significantly contributes to biodiversity research in New Zealand by comparing ombrotrophic and minerotrophic wetland types with respect to habitat heterogeneity and species diversity of benthic diatom communities (Bacillariophyceae). Investigations include a detailed analysis of hydrochemical and hydrophysical parameters as well as their relevance in relation to diatom abundance. Four new taxa of the genus Frustulia are described and differentiated from established species. Within th...     »