The effect of Spatial distribution and wave action on the proportion of tetrasporophytes and gametophytes of Mazzaella splendens in the San Juan Islands

Abstract

The proportion of life history phases is an important factor for assessing population dynamics. This paper describes the proportion of tetrasporophyte to gametophyte blades of the isomorphic Rhodophyte (red seaweed) Mazzella splendens in the San Juan Islands, WA. Focusing on potential effects of spatial distribution, wave action, and a comparison to the outer coast. the proportion of tetrasporophytes to gametophytes was similar at all nine locations. No difference was observed when comparing this study to similar studies on the outer coast of Washington and British Colombia. No difference was observed at the two sites selected for comparing the effects of wave action. The findings of this study are consistent with previous studies on the proportion of life history phases in Mazzella splendens.