DISTRIBUTION AND DIVERSITY OF MARINE ALGAE OF SINDH COASTAL AREA: ALPHA, BETA AND GAMMA DIVERSITY

Algae occupies a significant position in humans life due to its utilization in different aspects. However, their composition and dominance are being disturbed by many factors. An ecological study was directed to check the species confofimation, vertical dissemination and monthly variation of marine macro algae along the Sindh coast, Pakistan between February 2020 and January 2021. A sum of 64 species was recorded having the species distribution % i.e., 20% from Chlorophyta, 45% from Phaeophyta and 34% from Rhodophyta. Phaeophyta found to be most prevailing phylum trailed by Rhodophyta and Chlorophyta. Moreover, Monthly growth of Phaeophyta was on peak during November to March while Chlorophyta was on top in May to August and Rhodophyta was moderate throughout the year. However, alpha, beta and gamma diversification of marine algae was also observed that showed alpha diversity was relatively smaller than the beta diversity.