Thalli of Focus vesiculosus in Ontogenesis: Changes in Morpho-Physiological Parameters

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Abstract
The thalli of 2 F. vesiculosus populations, one growing in a quiet inlet with low water exchange and the other on a shore open to ocean breakers with intensive water exchange, were subjected to detailed morphometry. Numerous samples were used to measure the length, weight, branching, number of generative organs and lifetime loss in thallus biomass at the age of 3-8 yr, as well as similar parameters in branches of various age. Calculations were performed for the surface, specific surface and change rates in ontogenesis of the above mentioned parameters for whole thalli. The radioactive carbon method was used to estimate the intensity of photosynthesis in open-shore thalli and the total photosynthesis in branches (1-7 yr old) and whole thalli (3-7 yr old). A group of thalli growing in the inlet were measured for contents of chlorophylls a and c. The specific features of the ontogenesis, biomass formation and production of the thalli are discussed on the basis of the obtained data and the coefficients of pair correlations for various thallus parameters. Morphological changes accompanying branch aging were revealed. The role of water exchange in thallus formation and overall production is also discussed. A series of resultant equations permitted calculation of some of the thallus parameters by using other parameters. A number of procedural problems are likewise examined.

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