Seagrass growth and patch dynamics: cross-scale morphological plasticity

摘要: By examining the spatial distribution of rhizome morphological characteristics seagrass Halodule wrightii, in relation to a seasonal pattern patch dynamics, we attempted derive mechanistic explanation for variety changes exhibited by shapes. Rhizome (mean internodal distance, branching frequency and biomass) were measured at three spatially-recognized regions (Flood edge, Center, Ebb edge) 5 patches, reflecting position relative hydrodynamic flow. In addition, maps (1 resolution) patches used quantify margins across growing season. varied with position: longer distances recorded on both edges center, rhizomes from Flood internodes than plants edge patches. Branching showed no spatially-explicit Patch change analysis indicated increase area recession (or change) edges. margin was significantly correlated distances: more positive coverage an greater distances.