Composition and Diversity Variation of Ferns (Pteridophyta) at Barangay San Rafael, Prosperidad, Agusan Del Sur Philippines: Distribution and Conservation Status

Abstract

Ferns (Pteridophyta) are free-sporing vascular plants with a unique life cycle with free-living gametophyte and sporophyte phases. The fern species has nearly 90% of the extant diversity, it was the first higher-level of pteridophyte classification in the world. This study aimed to assess and identify the different species composition and diversity variation of ferns found in the lower elevations at the primary forest in Barangay San Rafael, Prosperidad Agusan del Sur, Philippines. Moreover, the researchers were used the quadrat sampling method as one of the best and classic tools utilized in ecology especially determining the diversity of a specific sampling sites. Also, the study used Shannon’s diversity index method in determining the biological diversity of plant species particularly ferns (Pteridophyta). The total number of ferns that was primarily collected at Barangay San Rafael, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur are nine (9) species from 5 families. The researchers linked the gathered data of ferns (Pteridophyta) by calculating its diversity index of 1.864, were showed medium diversity because most likely the pteridophyte communities were similar in all transects. Thus, the study area has medium species diversity results in a more complex, stable, and productive ecosystem as could be observed in San Rafael Forest. The results show that the growth and distribution of ferns was inhibited significantly by the environment properties.