Bryophyte taxonomic and functional groups as indicators of fine scale ecological gradients in mountain streams

Frequency and abundance patterns suggested that species taxonomic groups and life forms and strategies categories distribution are mostly determined by the same microhabitat variables: water velocity, local light incidence and hydrologic zone in the streambed. Additionally, the distribution trends of each category are presented in graphic models summarizing the habitat segregation of bryophyte traits. The specificity of bryophyte distribution patterns were calibrated in undisturbed mountain watercourse to explore their use in monitoring fine-scale variation of flow and light regimes caused by anthropic influence.