Dispersal mechanisms in freshwater algae and cyanobacteria

Global occurrence of many species of freshwater cyanobacteria and algae shows, that they are dispersed easily. However, the exact transport mechanisms are not known for most of these microorganisms. This bachelor thesis introduces various mechanisms that could be responsible for the dispersal of freshwater cyanobacteria and algae. It includes information about four main methods of transport, which is dispersal by water (hydrochory), transport through atmospheric circulation and wind (anemochory), dispersal by animals (zoochory) and by human (anthropochory), who is recently also involved in the transportation of freshwater cyanobacteria and algae. The thesis also summarizes adaptation mechanisms that enable cyanobacteria and algae to colonize new habitats successfully, and discusses possible implications of the dispersal ability for the distribution of microorganisms. Currently there are two contradictory views - cosmopolitan distribution and the occurrence of endemic species. Despite their importance the dispersal mechanisms of freshwater cyanobacteria and algae are less-studied than it might seem at first sight. Key words: freshwater algae, cyanobacteria, dispersal mechanisms, spores, cysts, distribution of microorganisms, hydrochory, anemochory, zoochory, anthropochor