Ecophysiology Of Phyto- And Zooplankton From Alpine Lakes Of The Cajas National Park (Ecuador)

Problem: Algae, And Within The Microalgae Are Plants Relatively Little Differentiated Forming The Phytoplankton, Which Is The Basis Of The Food Chain Of Aquatic Systems. Identification And Characterization Are Basic Elements For The Possible Exploitation Of Microalgae Pharmacological Potential Or For Their Use As Bio-Indicators Of Water Quality. Physicochemical And Environmental Factors Have A Marked Effect On Characteristics, Composition Or Concentration Of Primary And Secondary Metabolites In Plants. The Cajas National Park (Cnp) Has A Large Amount Of Water Bodies Belonging To Different River Basis Tributaries To The Pacific And Atlantic Oceans. Due To Its Settling At The Western Mountains Of The Tropical Andes Close To The Equator, The Park Has A Varied Range Of Altitudes; And An Abundant Solar Radiation.