ECOLOGY OF AQUATIC MACROPHYTES IN BRAZIL: THE LEGACY OF FRANCISCO DE ASSIS ESTEVES

Abstract

In this review, we evaluate the contribution of Brazilian limnologists to research outputs on aquatic macrophyte ecology. We found a strong “adviser effect” of Professor F.A. Esteves on the Brazilian scientific production focused on aquatic macrophytes. In general, articles focused on a variety of themes, including, inter alia, the role of aquatic macrophytes on the biodiversity of other groups, the interaction between macrophytes and the environment, the effects of environmental factors on aquatic macrophytes distribution and biodiversity, the effects of invasive species on aquatic biodiversity, aquatic macrophytes control and decomposition. Emerging topics (e.g., metacommunity ecology, biodiversity-ecosystem functioning, and patterns of diversity and their determinants) are being embraced by Brazilian limnologists that use aquatic macrophytes as organism models. Despite the fact there is much to study, we think that directly (e.g., via mentoring) or indirectly (via publications), our current knowledge about macrophytes ecology was inspired by Chico Esteves.