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- Engelen, Aschwin H., et al.
(author)
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Effects of wave exposure and depth on biomass, density and fertility of the fucoid seaweed Sargassum polyceratium (Phaeophyta, Sargassaceae)
- 2005
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In: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0967-0262 .- 1469-4433. ; 40:2, s. 149-158
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Sargassum polyceratium is widely distributed around the island of Curac¸ao (Netherlands Antilles) where it inhabits strongly contrasting habitats. Changes in population structure have been followed in three bays with increasing levels of wave exposure at two depths: shallow (0 m) and deep (18 m). The effects of increasing wave exposure were investigated by studying three deepwater populations; and the effects of depth by studying shallow- and deep-water populations in the two calmer bays. Total density and stage density (reproductive thalli, juvenile thalli) were determined and total and individual thallus biomass was estimated non-destructively. In the most wave-exposed deep-water population thalli were twice as long with more than twice the biomass than in the calmest deep-water population. Total density and juvenile density were highest in the bay with intermediate wave exposure. Depth was an important factor at both the individual and population level. Shallow-water thalli had basal holdfast areas that were four times larger than those from deep water, and thallus biomass was positively correlated with holdfast area. Shallow-water juveniles invested more in the development of a holdfast and lateral growth than deep-water juveniles. Total biomass per quadrat was up to 10-fold higher in shallow- than in deep-water populations. In shallow-water populations reproductive thalli were present throughout the year whereas in deep-water populations they were present only during autumn and winter. We conclude that both wave exposure and depth affect population structure. Thalli were generally bigger and total biomass higher in the more exposed bay(s) and in shallower water, contradicting the general pattern in macroalgae of reduced size and biomass with increasing wave exposure.
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| 2. |
- Engelen, Aschwin H., et al.
(author)
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Life history flexibility allows Sargassum polyceratium to persist in different environments subjected to stochastic disturbance events
- 2005
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In: Coral Reefs. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0722-4028 .- 1432-0975. ; 24:4, s. 670-680
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Stochastic, stage-based matrix models were used to investigate the life history strategy of the seaweed Sargassum polyceratium in shallow intertidal and deep-water (18 m) populations. Matrix models were parameterized with 3 years of yearly transitions among four plant stages quantified from three bays on Curac.ao (Netherlands Antilles). There were years without a storm, with a moderate (winter) storm and with a strong storm (Hurricane Lenny). The stochastic population growth rate varied among populations (ks : 0.54–1.03) but was not related to depth. The most important stages for population growth were reproductive adults (shallow) and non-reproductive adults (deep). With the occurrence of storms, vegetative growth (mainly deep) and fertility (mainly shallow) became the most important processes. Recruitment (shallow) and regeneration from holdfasts (deep) only contributed to population persistence after the hurricane. It is concluded that S . polyceratium has a flexible, depth-dependent, life history strategy that is adjusted to disturbance events.
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