Morphometric variability and allometric relationships in the seagrass Thalassia testudinum in Florida Bay

摘要: Morphometric variability and allometric relationships were investigated in the seagrass Thalassia testudinum Florida Bay 1998 1999. is the dominant seagrass this perturbed estuary is important to its ecology. In this study I describe the trends patterns of morphometric characteristics T. testudinum ten basins at two spatial scales sampling seasons. At the larger scale examined, only mean leaf number showed a significant interannual difference. Distributions shoot-specific variables more sensitive interannual variation; however, both area-specific have high degree levels examined. Certain parameters grouped together consistently led me define four ecological zones, similar ecological zones defined other studies based upon physical characteristics. The results of study confirm that heterogeneity distribution, abundance, and physical T. support concept these ecologically distinct regions. Also, results demonstrate plasticity morphology the significant control chemical environment exert on this morphology. Density had little effect on testudinum, which is similar reported for clonal plants. However, density slight but significant negative correlation with number; was evidence selfthinning seen. Age water depth also morphology. The area index can be used estimate standing crop (and by extension productivity) total shoot biomass Bay. Leaf area explained 97% variance crop. data compiled here show that some are strongly related may prove useful descriptors the architecture seagrass.