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8667428 
Journal Article 
Beta diversity in rocky subtidal macroalgal assemblages from Bahia de Loreto, Gulf of California, Mexico 
Mazariegos-Villarreal, A; Reyes-Bonilla, H; Balart, EF; Serviere-Zaragoza, E 
2012 
Yes 
Botanica Marina
ISSN: 0006-8055
EISSN: 1437-4323 
55 
2 
169-175 
WOS:000303606400007 
We evaluated the contribution of beta (beta) diversity of macroalgal assemblages in subtropical rocky reefs of the Gulf of California. Seasonal samplings of macroalgae were taken in six sites from 2005 to 2008. We identified 157 species, with a local richness [alpha (alpha) diversity] between 8 and 38 species, with the lowest values in fall. Additive partitioning of species diversity show that beta diversity contributed between 61% and 70% of gamma diversity, without differences among seasons. The temporal beta diversity (measured as the qualitative dissimilarity between consecutive seasons of the year) was between 49% and 94% dissimilarity, with higher values in the seasonal transition from fall to winter. Increased macroalgal mortality by severe environmental conditions during middle summer are probably the most important driver of seasonal variability in a diversity, whereas high levels of beta diversity are probably maintained through environmental and biotic variability in space and time and the stochastic processes of mortality and settlement of species. These findings indicate that beta diversity is a key diversity component of macroalgal assemblages in subtropical rocky reefs in the Gulf of California. 
alpha diversity; gamma diversity; natural protected area; seasonality; temporal turnover