Jackson Estuarine Laboratory
Reproductive ecology of four subtidal red algae
Abstract
The reproduction and stature of the red algae Callophyllis cristata (C. Ag.) Kuetz., Membranoptera alata (Huds.) Stackh., Phycodrys rubens (Huds.) Batt., and Ptilota serrata Kuetz. were recorded from subtidal populations at Appledore Island, Maine, U.S.A., with respect to time and depth. Only Membranoptera alata exhibited a conspicuous seasonal fluctuation of reproduction. A vertical gradient of reproduction was evident, with reduced levels of reproduction in shallow populations of Phycodrys rubens and Ptilota serrata, as well as deep populations of Phycodrys rubens, Membranoptera alata and Callophyllis cristata. Differential stratification of the reproductive phases of Ptilota serrata occurred with higher frequencies of tetrasporic plants in deep populations and of cystocarpic plants in shallow populations. In contrast, the haploid and diploid plants of the other three species showed similar distributional patterns. Membranoptera alata, Phycodrys rubens, and Callophyllis cristata showed a conspicuous decrease in stature during maximum reproduction.
Publication Date
9-15-1981
Journal Title
Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Document Type
Article
Rights
Copyright © 1981 Published by Elsevier B.V.
Recommended Citation
Norall, T.L., A.C. Mathieson, and J.A. Kilar. 1981. Reproductive ecology of four subtidal red algae. Journal of Expimental Marine Biology and Ecology 54:119-136. (Contribution No. 818 in the Agricultural Experiment Station Series)