Mechanisms of Kelp Forest Regeneration

这项调查是长期研究的延续， 造成广泛损失的因果机制， 温带海藻森林的再生。 南部 在加州，海藻森林的再生通常涉及到 几种褐藻的同时定植。 再生过程涉及微观招募 然而，人们对这些藻类的阶段知之甚少。 这 研究将侧重于促进 藻类同时繁殖 主要研究领域将 1）模式和环境原因 孢子在三种形态上截然不同的 一个定居褐藻的分类群（大型海带 pyrifera和Pterygophora californica以及更小的 丝状褐藻），和2）促进机制 一旦孢子定居发生，这些藻类之间的竞争。 在成熟的森林中，藻类组合受到很大的调节 成人互动。 已建立的斑块或树冠可以 通过抵抗其他物种的入侵而持续了许多代 物种 因此，在森林大面积丧失之后， 与孢子可用性有关的再生过程， 早期竞争可能至关重要，因为这些 这些过程可能会产生长期的影响， 成熟森林群落结构。

This investigation is a continuation of long-term research on the causal mechanisms producing widespread loss and regeneration of temperate kelp forests. In southern California, kelp forest regeneration usually involves the simultaneous colonization of several species of brown algae. The regenerative processes involving the microscopic recruit stages of these algae, however , are poorly understood. This research will focus on the mechanisms promoting simultaneous algal colonization. The major areas of study will be 1) patterns and environmental causes of spore release in three extremely morphologically distinct taxa of colonizing brown algae (the large kelps Macrocystis pyrifera and Pterygophora californica and much smaller filamentous brown algae), and 2) mechanisms promoting competition between these algae once spore settlement occurs. In the mature forest, algal assemblages are regulated largely by adult interactions. Established patches or canopies can persist for many generations by resisting invasion from other species. Consequently, following widespread forest loss, regenerative processes pertaining to spore availability and early competition may be of crucial importance because these processes can have long term consequences affecting the structure of the mature forest community.