The saltmarsh algal communities in the Wadden area, with reference to their distribution and ecology in N. W. Europe: I. The distribution and ecology of the algal communities
Polderman, P.J.G. (1979). The saltmarsh algal communities in the Wadden area, with reference to their distribution and ecology in N. W. Europe: I. The distribution and ecology of the algal communities. J. Biogeogr. 6(3): 225-266. https://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3038178
In: Journal of Biogeography. Wiley-Blackwell: Oxford. ISSN 0305-0270; e-ISSN 1365-2699, more
|  |
| Abstract |
Within the scope of a study of algal communities in saltmarshes, a classification system has been developed based on a survey covering the whole Wadden area and comparative investigations elsewhere in N. W. Europe. The algal communities have been considered at two levels, that of the elementary vegetation units and that of larger vegetation patterns. The elementary units have been described as consocions sensu Du Rietz (1930, 1932) and classified together into comprehensive groups, formations, wich are defined by life-form dominance. In the Wadden area, ten formations (of Vaucheria, Rhizoclonium, Oscillatoriaceae, Apistonema, gelatinous algae, Fucaceae, Bostrychia, Sphacelaria, Calothrix and membranous algae) were distinguished, including forty-seven consocions. A short description is given of the Euglena formation. For each consocion, the distribution in N. W. Europe, periodicity and position in the saltmarsh are discussed. Algal consocions in saltmarshes generally occur together in a limited number of community complexes sensu Westhoff (1951). |
|
