Some observations on endemic macroalgae of the Southern Ocean

• Main Authors: Dhargalkar, V.K., Abidi, S.A.H.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: A.P.H. Publishing Corp.; New Delhi (India) 2002
• Subjects: aquatic plants; endemic species; adaptations; temperature; photoperiods; polar zones; physicochemical properties; Algae; Antarctic; Southern Ocean; The Antarctic; Antarc*
• Online Access: http://drs.nio.org/drs/handle/2264/1397

The paper summarises current level of knowledge on the endemic Antarctic macroalgae. The macroalgal adaptation to low temperature, response to different photoperiod during the season, animal-macroalgal interaction and reproductive strategies of macroalgae to survive in the Antarctic environment have been assessed. Data revealed that there are gaps in our understanding of life histories with regard to individual macroalgal species, physiological responses to darkness and different light intensities, community structure and its interaction with the environment and understanding of the impacts of changes in biodiversity are needed to be addressed. Many more areas along the Antarctic coast are required to be surveyed for macroalgal distribution and resource evaluation.