Factors Affecting the Distribution of Rocky-Shore Macroalgae on the Swedish Coast : Morphological, Physiological, Reproductive and Genetic Aspects

Sammanfattning: The aim of this thesis was to examine factors affecting the distribution of macroalgal species both vertically (depth zonation) and geographically along the Baltic Sea salinity gradient. Interactions between the physical environment and basic biological traits of the algae are emphasised.Previously well-described macroalgal vegetation profiles were re-investigated. Long-term changes of the vegetation that can be coupled to an increased large-scale eutrophication were recorded in both the Baltic Sea and in the Skagerrak.Photosynthetic properties of macroalgae with different morphologies from typical depth zonations in the Skagerrak and the Baltic Sea were assessed. A novel method that makes it possible to classify macroalgal species along a morphological gradient based on photosynthetic properties is presented. Such a gradient can be used as an alternative to more discrete subdivisions into functional-form groups.Small-scale variation in the natural sediment load was shown to affect the composition of sublittoral rocky-shore macroalgal communities in a long-term field experiment. Generally, species with an extended reproductive period were more tolerant to sedimentation than species depending on short periods of spore release. The effect of the sediment treatments increased with depth.Field experiments in the Baltic Sea showed that fragments of Furcellarialumbricalis, Polysiphoniafucoides and Rhodomela confervoides are able to reattach to the substrate under field conditions. This enables persistence of populations since these species are practically sterile in the area. Field observations suggested that sessile animals can facilitate the fixation of algal fragments to the substrate.Genetic variation of the chlorophyte Cladophorarupestris was assessed by allozyme electrophoresis. Two genetically differentiated groups of populations were found, one Baltic Sea group and one North Sea group, with a distinct border in the southern Kattegat near the entrance to the Baltic Sea.