Same species, different population dynamics: Spatio‐temporal differences of Undaria pinnatifida (Ochrophyta, Phaeophyceae) in the intertidal of North Patagonia, Argentina

Population dynamics can be influenced by physical and biological factors, particularly in stressful environments. Introduced species usually have great physiological plasticity, resulting in populations with different traits. Undaria pinnatifida, a macroalga originally described from northeast Asia,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of phycology 2023-12, Vol.59 (6), p.1310-1322
Main Authors: Arcángel, Andrea Evangelina, Rodríguez, Emiliano Alexis, Saad, Juan Francisco, Barra, Paula, Narvarte, Maite Andrea, Storero, Lorena Pía, Pereyra, Patricio Javier
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Argentina
Autumn
Biological Factors
Biomass
Developmental stages
Ecological effects
Genetic variability
Intertidal environment
Intertidal zone
introduced macroalgae
Introduced species
Juveniles
morphometric variables
Morphometry
Nutrient availability
Nutrient concentrations
Patagonia Argentina
Physiological effects
population biology
Population Dynamics
Population structure
Seaweeds
Substrates
Temporal variations
Undaria
Undaria pinnatifida
Variability
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Summary:Population dynamics can be influenced by physical and biological factors, particularly in stressful environments. Introduced species usually have great physiological plasticity, resulting in populations with different traits. Undaria pinnatifida, a macroalga originally described from northeast Asia, was introduced in Northern Patagonia, Argentina (San Matías Gulf) around 2010. To describe the spatio‐temporal variability in population structure and morphometry of U. pinnatifida, we conducted monthly field samplings for 2 years at the intertidal area of two contrasting sites in the San Matías Gulf. Individuals of U. pinnatifida were classified by developmental stage, and their morpho‐gravimetric variables were measured. In both intertidal sites juveniles were found in higher proportion during austral autumn and grew and matured during the autumn‐winter months (from May onwards), and individuals senesced during early austral summer (December and January). Conversely, density and biomass were largely different between sites, and individuals showed slight morphological variability between sites. Environmental (e.g., nutrient concentration, available substrate) and biological factors (e.g., facilitation, competition) may explain the observed differences. Since there is not a macroalga with U. pinnatifida morphometrical characteristics in the intertidal environments of San Matías Gulf, studying this recent introduction gives us a better understanding of its potential ecological effects.
ISSN:0022-3646
1529-8817
DOI:10.1111/jpy.13395