Charophyta: their use in paleolimnology

Abstract

Charophyta are common algae in limnic waters from many regions and are an interesting group from an evolutionary point-of-view, as they are believed to be related to the Chlorophyceae and land plants. Paleontological-botanical systematics are discussed, taking into consideration some new advances. Charophytes live in all types of inland waters and are sensitive to ecological change, and so they are very useful paleolimnological markers. Gaps concerning gyrogonite morphology in extant taxa and their responses to different environmental conditions must be described. This paper discusses data concerning ecological factors affecting the distribution of Argentinian Charophyta (principally distributed between 30 ° S and 40 ° S), gyrogonite morphology related to different ecological conditions, and the way that Charophyta can modify the environment.