Microhistological Characteristics of Selected Aquatic Plants of Florida with Techniques for the Study of Manatee Food Habits

摘要

A collection and preparation of aquatic plants for voucher specimens and preparation of reference slide collection is described in the report. Techniques for food identification and quantification for 83 plant species and three invertebrate groups are presented to provide a standardized method for the study of the manatee diet in Florida. Methods used for photomicrography of plant material and preparation of ingesta and fecal material for analysis are included. A diagnostic key of microhistological characters, summary tables of distinct features, and character matrix tables are included to aid in the identification of unknown plant fragments recovered from manatee ingesta and fecal samples.