Spatial variability in ecological attributes of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa
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Oriol Mascaró
Abstract
Assessment of ecosystem natural variability is a major goal in ecology, not only to better understand fluctuations, but also as a basis for distinguishing such natural variability from changes caused by human activities. We document here spatial variability of several Cymodocea nodosa attributes relevant to ecosystem functioning and indicative of ecosystem health at three localities near its upper and lower latitudinal distribution limits. At each locality, we chose three healthy and unaltered meadows, and, at each meadow, three sampling areas. The attributes measured were shoot density, biomass allocation to leaves and roots, shoot size, carbohydrate reserves, element content (C, N, P, S) and stable isotope ratios (δ13C, δ15N and δ34S). Geographical differences (among localities) accounted for between 65 and 90% of the total variability, while variability within localities (both between meadows and within meadows) accounted for substantial but lower contributions in most attributes. This suggests a relatively important degree of geographic plasticity in the attributes examined. Results presented here contribute to our basic knowledge of C. nodosa and its variability over large areas, which can be especially relevant for coastal monitoring and management programs.
©2009 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin New York
Articles in the same Issue
- Guest introduction
- Mediterranean seagrasses
- Reviews
- Analysis of the trophic role of Mediterranean seagrasses in marine coastal ecosystems: a review
- Regression of Mediterranean seagrasses caused by natural processes and anthropogenic disturbances and stress: a critical review
- Research articles
- Wave energy and the upper depth limit distribution of Posidonia oceanica
- Spatial variability in ecological attributes of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa
- Mesograzers in Posidonia oceanica meadows: an update of data on gastropod-epiphyte-seagrass interactions
- The importance of herbivory in the decline of a seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) meadow near a fish farm: an experimental approach
- Responses of the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica to in situ simulated salinity increase
- Evaluation of the viability of Posidonia oceanica transplants associated with a marina expansion
- Meetings
- Meetings
Articles in the same Issue
- Guest introduction
- Mediterranean seagrasses
- Reviews
- Analysis of the trophic role of Mediterranean seagrasses in marine coastal ecosystems: a review
- Regression of Mediterranean seagrasses caused by natural processes and anthropogenic disturbances and stress: a critical review
- Research articles
- Wave energy and the upper depth limit distribution of Posidonia oceanica
- Spatial variability in ecological attributes of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa
- Mesograzers in Posidonia oceanica meadows: an update of data on gastropod-epiphyte-seagrass interactions
- The importance of herbivory in the decline of a seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) meadow near a fish farm: an experimental approach
- Responses of the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica to in situ simulated salinity increase
- Evaluation of the viability of Posidonia oceanica transplants associated with a marina expansion
- Meetings
- Meetings
