A Case Study to Evaluate the Environmental Impact of Aquatic Lower Plants in Mesopotamia (Particularly the Kurdistan Region of Iraq)

Abstract

This study deals with the role of lower plants particularly (Ferns, Mosses & Algae) in the aquatic ecosystem within the fertile crescent in Mesopotamia. It focuses especially on the Kurdistan of Iraq, which might be one of the most productive and fertile areas in the whole Middle East. Furthermore, it is an endeavor to show the environmental impact and assess the effect of climatic and non-climatic parameters on non-flowering plants in the region. Knowledge about the presence and distribution of a such group of plants in this part of the world is so poor, particularly with respect to ferns, makes one to draw attention the necessity of such a study. This investigation is an attempt to reduce the existing gap of knowledge on lower plants in the region; furthermore, it will undoubtedly gravitate attention to the need for much more scientific information in this area, in years to come.