ePrints

Phenotypic variation in Fucus spiralis (Phaeophyceae): morphology, chemical phenotype and their relationship to the environment

Lookup NU author(s): Sarah Hornby, Dr Gavin Hardy, Professor Nick Owens

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.

Abstract

Phenotypic Variation of Fucus spiralis was examined in terms of morphology and chemical composition, as determined by pyrolysis mass spectrometry (PyMS). After discriminant analysis both techniques revealed the existence of two morphotypes which were subsequently designated as F. spiralis and F. spiralis forma nanus. The nanus plants differed from the nominate spiralis in that they were shorter, narrower and had fewer branches, but had more units of growth from a single holdfast. F, spiralis f. nanus was consistently higher on the shore than F, spiralis, but the two morphotypes overlapped in terms of shore exposure level. We suggest that the formae exist within a mosaic of stable phenotypes representing populations specifically adapted to the local environment. PyMS data were in agreement with morphological descriptions showing that gross morphology can be correlated with chemical composition.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Scott GW, Hull SL, Hornby SE, Hardy FG, Owens NJP

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: European Journal of Phycology

Year: 2001

Volume: 36

Issue: 1

Pages: 43-50

Print publication date: 03/06/2010

ISSN (print): 0967-0262

ISSN (electronic): 1469-4433

Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09670260110001735188

DOI: 10.1080/09670260110001735188

Altmetrics

Share