Abstract
A short stretch (27°S and 30°S) along the coast of Chile is habitat for the seagrass Heterozostera nigricaulis. The seagrass is classified as endangered and grows only clonally, but there are no data on its physiology and growth. However, this information is important to gain insights into its acclimation potential and how disturbances may affect them. We therefore studied H. nigricaulis at 27° and 30°S, and determined their growth and physiology among seasons and depths over one year. Biomass was higher at 27° than at 30°S, and was always higher in summer than in autumn and winter. Increased photosynthesis supported growth in summer, and in winter carbonic anhydrase activity was in place to maintain these evergreen meadows. Our results suggest that these seagrass meadows are adapted to local conditions, which, together with their asexual reproduction, could make them more vulnerable to disturbance. Therefore, our results serve as a basis for future studies on seagrass growth dynamics, and are important for protection and management plans.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
