Spatial-Temporal variability of aquatic plant communities in the Venezuelan Llanos

The richness and abundance of aquatic plant communities were studied in 14 habitats of the Venezuelan "llanos" (07 degrees 35'-07 degrees 55' N-68 degrees 50'-69 degrees 00' W, Apure) during an annual cycle. Annual means were 27 degrees C, 115 mm rainfall and 77% relative humidity. A permanent transect was set in each habitat (ten consecutive square meter quadrats from the shore to the water). The plants and the area they covered in each quadrat were recorded monthly for a year. The total richness was 69 species. Alatalo and Alatalo's diversity analysis indicates that season, and its correlate, water level, influence species diversity and abundance more than habitat (spatial factor: geometric index-Euclidean distance).