Variation in Propagule Supply and its Role in Kelp-Forest Regeneration

海带森林是全球潮下温带珊瑚礁的主要组成部分，经常经历相对频繁和不可预测的局部灭绝和重新定居。本研究是对潮下海带群落广泛丧失和再生的因果机制长期研究的延续。虽然海带数量迅速下降的原因越来越清楚，但在严重干扰后允许其快速恢复的机制仍然知之甚少。这项研究将利用实验室和实地试验来检查在森林大面积丧失后促进再定植的繁殖体供应的各个方面。主要的研究领域将包括确定(1)成年植物产生的孢子数量，(2)孢子释放的时间，(3)孢子质量，(4)孢子供应的寿命变化的模式和环境原因。这项研究将集中在两种海带（巨囊藻pyrifera和加州翼藻）上，它们构成了加州中部和南部潮下珊瑚礁群落的大部分生物成因结构。这项研究很重要，因为它探索了再生过程的供给侧，而这在很大程度上被斑块动力学研究所忽视。它将填补我们在成功招聘的复杂过程知识方面的一个重要空白。这种全面的方法是获得对调节海洋群落的机制的彻底理解的必要（但很少采取）步骤。

Kelp forests, dominant of subtidal temperate reefs worldwide, often undergo relatively frequent and unpredictable local extinctions and recolonization. This investigation is a continuation of long-term research on the causal mechanisms producing widespread loss and regeneration of subtidal kelp communities. While the causes for the rapid decline of kelp populations are becoming clear, the mechanisms that allow for their rapid recovery following severe disturbance remain poorly understood. The research will use laboratory and field experiments to examine various aspects of propagule supply that promote recolonization following widespread forest loss. The major areas of study will involve determining patterns and environmental causes of variation in (1) the number of spores produced by adult plants, (2) the timing of spore release, (3) spore quality, and (4) the longevity of spore supply. The research will focus on two species of kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera and Pterygophora california) that form much of the biogenic structure of subtidal reef communities of central and southern California. The research is important because it explores the supply side of the regenerative process which has largely been ignored in studies of patch dynamics. It will fill an important gap in our knowledge of the complicated processes leading to successful recruitment. Such a comprehensive approach is a necessary (but rarely taken) step towards gaining a thorough understanding of the mechanisms that regulate marine communities.