Elevated pCO2 effects on the macroalgal genus Halimeda: Potential roles of photophysiology and morphology

• Other Authors: Peach, Katherine (author), Koch, Marguerite (Thesis advisor), Florida Atlantic University (Degree grantor), Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Florida Atlantic University
• Subjects: Coral reef ecology; Chemical oceanography; Halimeda; Environmental mapping; Plants > Effect of light on; Plant physiology; Photobiology; Carbon cycle (Biogeochemistry); Ocean acidification
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004621; https://fau.digital.flvc.org/islandora/object/fau%3A33480/datastream/TN/view/Elevated%20pCO2%20effects%20on%20the%20macroalgal%20genus%20Halimeda%3A%20Potential%20roles%20of%20photophysiology%20and%20morphology.jpg

While ocean acidification (OA) is predicted to inhibit calcification in marine macroalgae, species whose photosynthesis is limited by current dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) levels may benefit. Furthermore, variations in macroalgal morphology will likely give rise to a range of OA tolerance in calcifying macroalgae. One genus of calcifying macroalgae that has shown varying species’ tolerance to OA is Halimeda, a major carbonate sediment producer on tropical reefs. Species within this genus occupy a range of habitats within tropical environments (reefs and lagoons), illustrating their ability to adapt to diverse environmental conditions (e.g. carbonate chemistry, irradiance). To date it is not clear if morphological and photophysiological diversity in Halimeda will translate to different tolerances to OA conditions (elevated pCO2 and lower pH). Includes bibliography. Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2016. FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection