Dispersal synchronizes giant kelp forests

Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 105(4)

Published: Feb. 28, 2024

Abstract Spatial synchrony is the tendency for population fluctuations to be correlated among different locations. This phenomenon a ubiquitous feature of dynamics and important ecosystem stability, but several aspects remain unresolved. In particular, extent which any particular mechanism, such as dispersal, contributes observed in natural populations has been difficult determine. To address this gap, we leveraged recent methodological improvements determine how dispersal structures giant kelp ( Macrocystis pyrifera ), global marine foundation species that served useful system understanding synchrony. We quantified fecundity with satellite imagery across 11 years 880 km coastline southern California, USA, estimated propagule probabilities using high‐resolution ocean circulation model. Using matrix regression models control influence geographic distance, resources (seawater nitrate), disturbance (destructive waves), discovered was an driver Our findings were robust assumptions about mortality during consistent between two metrics dispersal: (1) individual probability (2) estimates demographic connectivity incorporate (the number propagules dispersing). also found environmental conditions resulted clusters distinct patterns study few statistically associate first do so organism. The synchronizing effects on species, kelp, likely have cascading spatial stability biodiversity function.

Language: Английский

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Cell wall‐mediated maternal control of apical–basal patterning of the kelp Undaria pinnatifida

New Phytologist, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 243(5), P. 1887 - 1898

Published: July 10, 2024

Summary The role of maternal tissue in embryogenesis remains enigmatic many complex organisms. Here, we investigate the contribution to apical–basal patterning kelp embryo. Focussing on Undaria pinnatifida , studied effects detachment from using microsurgery, staining cell wall modifications, morphometric measurements, flow cytometry, genotyping and a modified fertilisation protocol synchronising embryogenesis. Detached embryos are rounder often show aberrant morphologies. When part oogonial attached zygote, is rescued. Furthermore, absence contact with increases parthenogenesis, highlighting critical signals initial stages development. These results key for connection kelps. This observation reminiscent another brown alga, Fucus where directs fate. Our findings suggest conserved mechanism across phylogenetically distant oogamous lineages, localised secretion sulphated F2 fucans mediates establishment polarity. In this model, basal fate determination by providing an extrinsic cue future

Language: Английский

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The influence of subtidal Laminaria canopies on local environmental conditions and the structure of understorey communities

Marine Environmental Research, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 204, P. 106957 - 106957

Published: Jan. 8, 2025

Understanding the role of species interactions (e.g. competition and facilitation) in structuring communities is a fundamental goal ecology. It well established that large canopy-forming seaweeds kelps fucoids) exert strong influence on community structure, by offering biogenic habitat, altering environmental conditions interacting with other species. While many studies have manipulated density to causatively examine their effects local environment associated communities, they are biased towards certain regions We conducted manipulative experiment at two subtidal sites characterised mixed Laminaria canopies, southwest England, UK. Three treatments were multiple replicate circular plots (area 7.1 m

Language: Английский

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Population genomics reveals strong impacts of genetic drift without purging and guides conservation of bull and giant kelp

Current Biology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Unravelling the secret life of MultiAnnual delayed gametophytes in the order of the Laminariales

Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 583, P. 152081 - 152081

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Connectivity enhances resilience of marine forests after an extreme event

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: Feb. 11, 2025

Abstract The resilience of populations to extreme climatic events comprises the resistance withstand and ability recover, which depends on factors such as remaining genetic diversity population connectivity. In 2011, a MHW caused 100 km range contraction kelp ( Ecklonia radiata ) off Western Australia, but recently recovering forests were discovered. To understand mechanisms recovery determine if are survivors or immigrants, we used genotyping-by-sequencing assess patterns We found that two three (PG1 2) likely whereas third smaller (PGCr 1) was produced through re-colonisation from nearby surviving forests. Connectivity high among migration analysis identified one (Horrocks) most important source for kelps. All had higher neutral diversity, similar putative adaptive surrounding populations, suggesting local adaptation. Our results elucidate how mixed processes can contribute forest following MHWs cryptic survival maintenance connectivity is key recovery.

Language: Английский

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Severe decline of Gongolaria Barbata (Fucales) along most of the French Mediterranean coast

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: Feb. 17, 2025

In the Mediterranean Sea, seaweed marine forests, one of most important benthic assemblages for coastal ecosystem functioning, are shaping rocky reefs. Among Fucales, Gongolaria barbata (syn. Cystoseira barbata) is a several years living species usually growing in very shallow, sheltered and well-lit reef habitats lagoons. The long-term change its distribution relation to variety disturbances has been assessed along French coast, including Corsica brackish lagoons, thanks historical data dating back 19th century. current was established through an extensive survey conducted by snorkelling, encompassing approximately 3 000 km coastline. A GIS analysis indicates that can currently be considered as regionally extinct Catalonia Western Provence functionally Riviera. Languedoc, open sea only present certain lagoons despite severe repeated anoxic crises (malaïgues) competition with rich exotic flora introduced from NE Atlantic NW Pacific, especially invasive Sargassum muticum. contrast, populations G. have remained stable Eastern Corsica. main possible causes decline uprooting, overgrazing herbivores, habitat destruction seaweeds. relevance ecological restoration assessed.

Language: Английский

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Applications of environmental DNA monitoring for seaweed reproductive phenology: A case study with giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera)

Journal of Phycology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 18, 2025

Abstract Monitoring the seasonal reproductive cycles of seaweeds is crucial for effective population and ecosystem management, as well mariculture seedstock collection. Traditional methods, such visual monitoring by SCUBA diving or snorkeling, are costly, labor‐intensive, limited in temporal spatial coverage. This study explores substituting these methods with environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques giant kelp ( Macrocystis pyrifera , order Laminariales). laboratory aimed to determine minimum detectable concentration zoospores sporophyte tissue needed detecting phenology M. assess ability sensitivity discriminate between life stages. The involved syringe‐filtering seawater samples through 0.45‐μm pore‐size filters before quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis species‐specific primers. There was a strong positive correlation zoospore eDNA copies per μL (ρ = 0.982, p < 0.001), weak wet weight 0.367, 0.134). significant difference + treatments 0.010), indicating substantial influence on detected quantity. Sporophyte obscures signal, especially at lower concentrations (<37 · mL −1 ), highlighting that suitable peaks broader patterns reproduction when high.

Language: Английский

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Effects of climate change on purple urchin feeding behavior in the presence and absence of California spiny lobsters.

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 26, 2025

Grazing by sea urchins can dramatically alter the structure of kelp forest communities, but this be moderated through both direct and indirect effects from their predators. For example, in southern California, USA, presence spiny lobsters, Panulirus interruptus, increase time it takes for purple urchins, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, to emerge shelters feed, reduce total that spend foraging, consequently decrease amount they consume. The mechanisms driving this, however, may change as oceans become warmer more acidic. To examine we quantified three measures urchin grazing behavior (latency shelters, spent feeding, mass consumed) absence lobsters under present day (Current), ocean warming (OW), acidification (OA), OW + OA (Future) conditions. Specifically, placed laboratory mesocosms reflecting these conditions with known quantities kelp, then allowed them graze days. Urchin feeding activity was using time-lapse photography recording eaten over each three-day period. Our results revealed took longer grazed less time, consumed when Current conditions, differences largely disappeared OW, Future These reveal possible implications how will predators thus affect communities future.

Language: Английский

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Comparative photophysiology and respiration of Kelp gametophytes reveals species-specific thermo-tolerance to marine heatwaves

Marine Biology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 172(5)

Published: April 9, 2025

Language: Английский

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