engleski

Taxonomic composition of epiphytic diatoms (Bacillariophyta) from areas affected by invasive macroalgae Caulerpa taxifolia (Vahl) C. Agardh and Caulerpa racemosa (Forsskål) J. Agardh (Adriatic Sea, Croatia).

There is a considerable lack of data on marine benthic diatoms in the Adriatic. In response to this fact the present study has been undertaken which focuses on the taxonomy of epiphytic diatoms in areas affected by invasive macroalgae representing the the genus of Caulerpa J.V. Lamouroux, 1809 on the eastern Adriatic Sea coast. Material for the study of epiphytic diatoms was collected during two years (autumn 2008 – autumn 2010) from an area influenced by Caulerpa taxifolia in the bay of Stari Grad (the Island of Hvar), and from areas influenced by Caulerpa racemosa in Dubrovnik and on the Island of Mljet (Gonoturska Bay). In order to compare epiphyte assemblages, sampling of coexisting autochthonous brown and green algae was conducted at the same stations. Light and electron microscopy examinations provide for the first time the information on the general morphology and ultrastructure of taxa, and enable a determination of the taxonomy of diatoms. The seasonal dynamics were described on a fine time scale. For the first time in the Central and Southern Adriatic Sea the composition of benthic diatoms and seasonal dynamics of taxa in areas affected by invasive macroalge Caulerpa taxifolia and Caulerpa racemosa were determined. The results of the presented PhD thesis contribute to the knowledge of benthic diatoms in the Adriatic, as well as of a global biogeographic distribution of diatoms (chorology). The results of this study will enable a better understanding of the functioning of ecosystems dominated by macroalgae Caulerpa spp. Knowledge of the diatom community structure in the areas impacted by Caulerpa spp. is important for studies of the toxic effects of the host.

marine epiphytic diatoms;

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