Skip to main content

IMIS

A new integrated search interface will become available in the next phase of marineinfo.org.
For the time being, please use IMIS to search available data

 

[ report an error in this record ]basket (0): add | show Print this page

Patterns of reproduction, dispersal and recruitment in seaweeds
Santelices, B. (1990). Patterns of reproduction, dispersal and recruitment in seaweeds, in: Barnes, H. et al. Oceanogr. Mar. Biol. Ann. Rev. 28. Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review, 28: pp. 177-276
In: Barnes, H. et al. (1990). Oceanogr. Mar. Biol. Ann. Rev. 28. Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review, 28. Aberdeen University Press: Aberdeen. ISBN 0-08-037981-8; e-ISBN 0-203-01480-4. 549 pp., more
In: Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review. Aberdeen University Press/Allen & Unwin: London. ISSN 0078-3218; e-ISSN 2154-9125, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Author 

Keywords
    Dispersion
    Flora > Weeds > Marine organisms > Seaweeds
    Population functions > Recruitment
    Reproduction
    Marine/Coastal

Author  Top 
  • Santelices, B.

Abstract
    Reproductive processes of seaweeds and patterns of propagule production and release, dispersal, settlement and recruitment are reviewed. Present interpretations of the adaptive values of life history aspects such as sexual and asexual reproduction, alternation of generations, isomorphic and heteromorphic cycles and relative allocation of resources to reproduction are discussed. The evidence concerning the abiotic control and the ontogenic, specific and seasonal patterns of propagule production and release are evaluated. The nature of the propagule releasing mechanisms, the morpho-physiological characteristics of the released propagules, their dispersability by biotic and abiotic agents and the factors influencing their settlement, attachment, germination and recruitment are analysed.Overall, the evidence indicates that concepts derived from studies with land plants do not completely explain the reproductive processes of seaweeds. Similarly, the ecophysiological responses of the free-floating propagules are also conspicuously different from the free living plankton to which they have been compared. The literature describes numerous processes that remain poorly understood. Examples are: the mechanisms of spore release; the biological basis for the reduced viability of algal spores; the roles of grazers on spore release and dispersal and the ecological importance of positive interspecific and intraspecific interactions on settlement and recruitment. In addition, numerous ecologically important phenomena have not been reported or studied. These include the nature and dynamics of the spore clouds, the turnover rates and ecological roles of the bank of microscopic forms, alternative ways of spore attachment and the adaptive significance of spore germination. A more realistic understanding of the reproduction, dispersal and recruitment processes of seaweeds will result if ecological concepts and methods are applied to them, with due consideration for their morphological, physiological and life-history characteristics.

All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Author