Table 3. The distinguishing characteristics of the putative ecotypes identified in communities A, B and H.
| Putative ecotype | Community | Marker moiety | Morphotype | Mat formation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| α | A, B and H | LT and MT | 1 | None |
| A1a | A | LT | 1 | None |
| A1b | A | MT | 1 | None |
| A2 | A | LT | 2 | Weak |
| B1 | B | LT | 1 | None |
| B3 | B | MT | 3 | None |
| B4 | B | LT | 4 | Strong |
| H5a | H | LT | 5 | None |
| H5b | H | LT | 5 | Weak |
| H6 | H | LT | 6 | None |
| H7 | H | MT | 7 | None |
| H8 | H | MT | 8 | None |
‘Weak' mat formation indicates the presence of a delicate surface mat, easily disrupted by agitation of the microcosm tube; ‘strong' indicates a thick and highly durable mat, resistant even to extended vortexing of the microcosm tube.