00000namaa22000003a 4500 UP-8027295163992873690 Buklod 20240919132207.0 a r |||| u| ta 240919s2024 xx r |||| u|eng UPVT-00020032324 UPTC rda eng LG 993.5 2024 B5 P46 Pensotes, Annelyn Joseph Jr. A. author. Composition and diversity of bivalves in the mangrove forest of Cagugawan Eco-Park, Buri Island, Catbalogan City, Samar Annelyn Joseph A. Pensotes Jr.; Jessa May T. Malanguis, adviser. 2024 viii, 52 leaves illustrations. text rdacontent unmediated rdamedia volume rdacarrier Undergraduate thesis (B.S. Biology) -- University of the Philippines, Tacloban. Bivalves are among the major benthic groups of mollusks that inhabit mangrove forests. They are ecologically and economically important macrobenthic species as they play vital roles such as filtering water, cycling nutrients, stabilizing sediments, and serving as a valuabe food and income sources. Thus, a comprehensive account of the mangrove bivalves is essential for sustainable management and conservation. The diversity of bivalves in the mangroves of Cabugawan Eco-Park, Buri Island, Catbalogan City, Samar is yet to be studied. This study aims to determine the species composition and distribution of bivalves in the mangrove forest of Cabugawan Eco-Park, to determine biodiversity indices (richness, diversity, and evenness) of bivalves in each mangrove zone, and to correlate bivalve diversity with mangrove density and physicochemical factors (temperature, pH, and salinity). Transect-quadrat sampling was conducted to assess mangrove vegetation and bivalve diversity. The study has listed 12 bivalve species from 6 families, with the Veneridae family, particularly Gafrarium pectinatum, having the highest individual count. Diversity indices (1<H'<3) across the zones indicate medium diversity and average stability. Evenness indices reveal that landward and seaward zones have medium evenness (0.41 - 0.60), and middle zone has poor evenness (0.21 - 0.40). Richness indices indicate low species richness (R<3.5) across all zones. Data analyses showed that mangrove density negatively correlates with bivalve diversity. Temperature and pH correlated negatively with bivalve diversity, while salinity positively correlated with bivalve diversity. The findings underscore the relationships between bivalve diversity and environmental factors within the mangrove ecosystem of Cabugawan Eco-Park. This information is necessary formulating effective conservation and management strategies. Malanguis, Jessa May T. adviser. Thesis FI UP UPTAC UPTAC LG 993.5 2024 B5 P46 Thesis