Bromeliad phytotelmata: the first scientometric study

Abstract

Some representatives of this family have the ability to form phytotelma environments through the accumulation of water and organic matter, serving as substrate and food for a variety of organisms. Here, a scientometric analysis was carried out to show trends in scientific work on bromeliad phytotelmata and the importance of these microcosms for the maintenance of biodiver¬sity. The papers were analyzed using the Thomson Reuters, Scopus and Scielo databases between the years 1970 and 2021. Information was sought on the years of publications, geographic regions, countries, article design (descriptive, predictive, ex¬perimental, review), focus (ecological, biological, molecular), and ecological level of study (organism, population, community and ecosystem). South America presented the highest number of works developed with the subject and also with researchers involved. Most studies presented predictive designs focusing on community ecology. Insecta, followed by Crustacea and Anu¬ra, were the most studied groups of organisms. The results contribute to a better understanding of biodiversity in bromeliad phytotelmata, pointing out gaps and trends in research directed at these natural microcosms.