Life-forms of Algae and their Distribution

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Abstract
By using the principles and methods of Raunkiaer (1934) and ecological data from the literature, life-form spectra were established for 5 seaweed floras representing arctic, temperate, warm temperature or Mediterranean and subtropical climates. Trends are apparent along the NS climatic gradient and each region is characterized based on life-forms. Major trends included the absence of Ephemerophyceae in E Greenland and their increase along the gradient, a decrease in Hypnophyceae from E Greenland to the French Mediterranean, a higher percentage of Phanerophyceae and Chamaephyceae in arctic and temperate regions and their decrease toward the subtropics, an increase in the percentage of Hemiphanerophyceae from Greenland to the Gulf of Mexico, and an overall increase in the percentage of annuals from the arctic to the subtropics. Changes in life-form spectra are related to variation in temperature, salinity and photoperiod. A spectrum high in Ephemerophyceae is predicted for a tropical flora. Speculation concerning the relationship between evolution of life-forms and their distribution is presented and compared with those of flowering plants.

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