Effects of Multiple Ecological Drivers on Recruitment and Succession of Coral Reef Macroalgal Communities

Authors

Alain DuranFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Biology

First Advisor's Name

Ligia Collado-Vides

First Advisor's Committee Title

Co-Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Deron E. Burkepile

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Co-Committee Chair

Third Advisor's Name

Craig Layman

Keywords

Macroalgae, Herbivory, Succession, Nutrients, Coral Reef

Date of Defense

6-14-2013

Abstract

The study evaluated the effects of herbivory pressure, nutrient availability and potential propagule supply on recruitment and succession of coral reef macroalgal communities. Recruitment and succession tiles were placed in a nutrient-herbivory factorial experiment and macroalgal abundances were evaluated through time. Proportional abundances of macroalgal form-functional groups on recruitment and succession tiles were similar to field established communities within treatments, evidencing possible effects of adult macroalgae as propagule supply. Macroalgal abundance of recruitment tiles increased with nutrient loading and herbivory reduction combined whereas on succession tiles nutrient loading increased abundance of articulated-calcareous only when herbivores were excluded. Macroalgal field established communities were only affected by herbivory reduction.

Identifier

FI13080520

Recommended Citation

Duran, Alain, "Effects of Multiple Ecological Drivers on Recruitment and Succession of Coral Reef Macroalgal Communities" (2013). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 905.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/905