Abstract
Two smooth species of Alcyonidium encrust macro-algae on western European shores: A. gelatinosum and A. polyoum. In > 140 collections made within the limits 42-62°N and 11°W-15°E, one or both were obtained from 28 of 48 coast-including geographic cells, 2° latitude × 2° longitude, for which sea surface temperature (SST) data were available from satellite imagery. The SSTs show east-west as well as north-south trends. A. gelatinosum is the more abundant, and is distributed from north Brittany to Shetland and Denmark; A. polyoum is more southerly (Spain to Scotland). Lengths, L, and widths, W, of 20 zooids from five colonies in each collection were measured; the differences in both L and calculated area, A, between colonies were frequently significant (ANOVA, P < 0.05) and between locations very great (P<< 0.001). L and W were often not correlated; A had a higher coefficient of variation (V *) than either L or W. In both species there was a significant negative correlation between zooid length and colony age, presumably reflecting the pattern of zooid ageing and/or colony growth found in Alcyonidium. This important and previously unreported phenomenon probably explains the lack of negative correlation of L and A with any manifestation of SST, the lack of positive correlation between V * for L and A with SST annual range, and the lack of any zooid size difference between the two species.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Title of host publication | Bryozoan Studies 2004 |
Subtitle of host publication | Proceedings of the 13th International Bryozoology Association Conference |
Publisher | CRC Press |
Pages | 271-279 |
Number of pages | 9 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780203970799 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780415372930 |
Publication status | Published - 17 Feb 2005 |
Event | 13th International Conference of the International Bryozoology Association 2004 - Concepcion, Chile Duration: 11 Jan 2004 → 16 Jan 2004 |
Conference
Conference | 13th International Conference of the International Bryozoology Association 2004 |
---|---|
Abbreviated title | IBA 2004 |
Country/Territory | Chile |
City | Concepcion |
Period | 11/01/04 → 16/01/04 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Environmental Chemistry
- Environmental Engineering