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Depth distribution of endolithic algae from the Firth of Clyde: implications for delineation and subdivision of the photic zone

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 May 2009

Etie Ben Akpan
Etie Ben Akpan
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
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Introduction

Some marine endolithic algae grow well and are restricted to the strongly lit littoral and uppermost sublittoral environments. The wide depth ranging boring algae must however adapt to different light intensities. Whereas Eugomontia sacculata Kornmann is considered as a form adapted to high light intensity (Akpan, 1981), Ostreobium quekettii Bornet & Flahault and Conchocelis - a boring phase in the life cycle of red algae in the Porphyra and Bangia genera - are able to survive under low light conditions even though they thrive at depths with strong illuminations (Rooney & Perkins, 1972; Clokie & Boney, 1980). Sheath, Hellebust & Sawa (1977) have demonstrated that the Conchocelis of a Porphyra sp. can survive prolonged very dim light condition and probably remain in a ‘steady state’ without growth in the dark for a long time. This adaptation is important for those algae in the lower part of the photic zone because during winter, deep light penetration is hampered.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 66 , Issue 2 , May 1986 , pp. 269 - 275
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 1986

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References

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