An ecological survey of the algae of Huntington Canyon, Utah

Authors

Lorin E. Squires, Department of Botany and Range Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602
Samuel R. Rushforth, Department of Botany and Range Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602
Carol J. Endsley, Department of Botany and Range Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602

Keywords

Freshwater algae–Utah–Huntington Canyon–Ecology, Stream plants–Utah–Huntington Creek, Pond plants–Utah–Huntington Canyon

Abstract

A quantitative and ecological study of the algae of Huntington Canyon, Emery County, Utah, was conducted from March 1971 to April 1972. Net plankton, nannoplankton, periphyton, and visible attached algae were studied. Certain physical and chemical parameters in the waters of Huntington Creek and a small pond along its course were also measured.

Huntington Creek contains a wide diversity of genera and species of algae. Diatoms are the main constituent of the flora of this stream throughout the year. Hydrurus foetidus is prevalent in Huntington Creek from late winter to early summer, and filamentous blue green algae abound in the summer and fall. Cladophora glomerata, Oedogonium sp., and Chara vulgaris are abundant in the creek beyond the mouth of the canyon. Most plankton in Huntington Creek originate on the substrate and in reservoirs on the left fork.

Huntington Creek is a cold, fast-flowing, hard-water mountain stream, and the algal flora of this creek is typical of such a habitat.

Recommended Citation

Squires, Lorin E.; Rushforth, Samuel R.; and Endsley, Carol J. (1973) "An ecological survey of the algae of Huntington Canyon, Utah," Brigham Young University Science Bulletin, Biological Series: Vol. 18: No. 2, Article 1.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byuscib/vol18/iss2/1