Morphological variation and population structure of Fucus spp. (Phaeophyta) from Helgoland
In: Nova Hedwigia. Borntraeger Gebrüder: Berlin; Stuttgart. ISSN 0029-5035, more
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| Keywords |
Population characteristics > Population structure
Fucus Linnaeus, 1753 [WoRMS]; Fucus vesiculosus Linnaeus, 1753 [WoRMS]
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| Author keywords |
Brown algae, Fucus species, morphological variation, insular endemism |
| Authors | | Top |
- Munda, I.M.
- Kremer, B.P., editor
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| Abstract |
The greater part of the rocky eulittoral of Helgoland (North Sea/German Bight) is populated by fucoids, namely Fucus spiralis, Fucus vesiculosus, and Fucus serratus. Several differences from the Fucus populations of the North European mainland shores are obvious, regarding both the population structure and form variations within the individual species. In general, the Fucus species do not form distinct belts, but build up mixed populations. Fucus vesiculosus occurs in two morphologically distinct forms which cannot be attributed to particular habitat conditions. On the average, the fronds of the Helgoland Fucus species are longer and significantly narrower than in specimens from other coastal sites of Western Europe. The results are discussed in the context of insular endemism related to the recent geological development and geographic position of Helgoland. |
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