Análisis biogeográfico de la flora algológica de Antofagasta (norte de Chile)

Abstract

New and more intensive taxonomic studies were carried out with the subtidal and intertidal marine algal flora of Antofagasta, in northern Chile, in order to test recently formulated phytogeographic characterization of temperate Pacific South America. Intertidal and subtidal sampling over the last four years resulted in the finding of seventy species of macroalgae for the study region. Fourteen of these findings constitute range extensions and eight of these species are reported for the first time for South America. These results however, do not significatively modify the presently accepted patterns of phytogeographic distribution. The representation of different floristic groups in the marine flora of Antofagasta agrees well with prediction already established in the phytogeographic characterization of this coastal area.