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Comparative culture experiments with filamentous members of the Bangiales (Rhodophyta) from New Zealand: Insights into ecologic adaptation and biogeography
Author(s) -
Boedeker Christian,
Farr Tracy J.,
Nelson Wendy A.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
phycological research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.438
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1440-1835
pISSN - 1322-0829
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1835.2008.00500.x
Subject(s) - biology , gametophyte , adaptation (eye) , spore , range (aeronautics) , taxon , salinity , biogeography , germination , photoperiodism , botany , ecology , evolutionary biology , pollen , materials science , neuroscience , composite material
SUMMARY Gametophyte cultures of seven genetically distinct, filamentous members of the Bangiales were grown under a range of temperatures (10°C, 12°C, 15°C and 20°C) and photoperiods, as well as lowered salinity (5 psu), in order to compare their responses to differing environmental regimes, and to evaluate the utility of a range of morphological, physiological and life history characters for distinguishing these entities. Significant differences in morphological characters such as filament width and cell size were found between some lineages. While these may have some regional diagnostic value, it was concluded that the practical use of these morphometric analyses is limited given the experimental growth period and replication required. The most useful characters for delineating filamentous Bangiales taxa were found to be the germination rates of spores, growth rates of filaments, timing and amount of spore release, and mortality of filaments. Different lineages appear to be adapted to particular environmental conditions, here represented by temperature/photoperiod, and salinity. The results of these comparative culture experiments provide some explanation for the seasonal occurrence and biogeographic distribution of the tested lineages around New Zealand.