Sex-specific reproductive trade-offs in the gregarious fucoid macroalga Ascophyllum nodosum

Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolynErthygladolygiad gan gymheiriaid

Fersiynau electronig

Dogfennau

Dangosydd eitem ddigidol (DOI)

The existence of sex-specific reproductive trade-offs are well established in plants. They usually occur because females invest more resources into reproduction than males, and have to compensate by sacrificing growth or defence. Investigations into by-sex differences in resource allocation by seaweeds are comparatively scarce. A small number of authors report differences between the sexes in some red algae, but known by-sex differences in brown algae are largely confined to the reproductive structures. In this study, sex-specific reproductive trade-offs are investigated in the common temperate brown alga, Ascophyllum nodosum from three distinct populations. Quantified investments into growth, defence, and reproduction of a large number of individuals (n =720) selected across a full annual cycle, are presented in parallel with feeding trials using a common gastropod herbivore, and a comprehensive assessment of the biotic and abiotic stressors impacting on A. nodosum at three sites. These reveal that sex-specific reproductive trade-offs occur in two of the three populations, as females invest more into reproduction than males and are subsequently less-chemically defended for the months post-gamete release. Feeding-trials confirm that this leaves females more vulnerable to grazing pressure during these months, although mortality and competitive ability appear unaffected in the field. Possible causes of the trade-offs made by females are discussed, and new avenues of investigation are identified which could reveal interesting parallels between seaweeds and higher plants.
Iaith wreiddiolSaesneg
Tudalennau (o-i)1-13
CyfnodolynEuropean Journal of Phycology
Cyfrol53
Rhif y cyfnodolyn1
Dyddiad ar-lein cynnar19 Gorff 2017
Dynodwyr Gwrthrych Digidol (DOIs)
StatwsCyhoeddwyd - 2018

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