LIGHT AND TEMPERATURE AS FACTORS REGULATING SEASONAL GROWTH AND DISTRIBUTION OF ULOTHRIX ZONATA (ULVOPHYCEAE)

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1985

Abstract

Ulothrix zonata (Weber and Mohr) Kütz. is an unbranched filamentous green alga found in rocky littoral areas of many northern lakes. Field observations of its seasonal and spatial distribution indicated that it should have a low temperature and a high irradiance optimum for net photosynthesis, and at temperatures above 10°C it should show an increasingly unfavorable energy balance. Measurements of net photosynthesis and respiration were made at 56 combinations of light and temperature. Optimum conditions were 5°C and 1100 μE·m−2·s−1 at which net photosynthesis was 16.8 mg O2·g−1·h−1. As temperature increased above 5° C optimum irradiance decreased to 125 μE·m−2·s−1 at 30°C. Respiration rates increased with both temperature and prior irradiance. Light‐enhanced respiration rates were significantly greater than dark respiration rates following irradiance exposures of 125 μE·m−2·s−1 or greater. Polynomials were fitted to the data to generate response surfaces. Polynomial equations represent statistical models which can accurately predict photosynthesis and respiration for inclusion in ecosystem models. Copyright © 1985, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved

Publication Title

Journal of Phycology

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