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Epiphyte-Host Dynamics Between Pyropia And Nereocystis In Central California, Daniel Joseph Gossard

Master's Theses

Macroalgal epiphytism is widespread, but many unique epiphyte-host interactions remain poorly understood. Pyropia nereocystis is an annual northeastern Pacific species that has evolved to primarily epiphytize the annual kelp Nereocystis luetkeana. I examined three aspects of Pyropia-Nereocystis epiphyte-host dynamics in the southern extent of the host’s range: (1) temporal variation in epiphtyte presence; (2) growth of gametophyte and sporophyte (conchocelis) stages using transplantation experiments; and (3) effects of epiphyte depth and host characteristics on the recruitment and biomass of the epiphyte. Pyropia exhibited a shift in presence on Nereocystis that differed interannually as a function of Nereocystis density and Nereocystis …