PlumX Metrics
Embed PlumX Metrics

Dominance of photo over chromatic acclimation strategies by habitat-forming mesophotic red algae

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, ISSN: 1471-2954, Vol: 290, Issue: 2008, Page: 20231329
2023
  • 5
    Citations
  • 0
    Usage
  • 13
    Captures
  • 0
    Mentions
  • 0
    Social Media
Metric Options:   Counts1 Year3 Year

Metrics Details

Article Description

Red coralline algae are the deepest living macroalgae, capable of creating spatially complex reefs from the intertidal to 100+ m depth with global ecological and biogeochemical significance. How these algae maintain photosynthetic function under increasingly limiting light intensity and spectral availability is key to explaining their large depth distribution. Here, we investigated the photo- and chromatic acclimation and morphological change of free-living red coralline algae towards mesophotic depths in the Fernando do Noronha archipelago, Brazil. From 13 to 86 m depth, thalli tended to become smaller and less complex. We observed a dominance of the photo-acclimatory response, characterized by an increase in photosynthetic efficiency and a decrease in maximum electron transport rate. Chromatic acclimation was generally stable across the euphotic-mesophotic transition with no clear depth trend. Taxonomic comparisons suggest these photosynthetic strategies are conserved to at least the Order level. Light saturation necessitated the use of photoprotection to 65 m depth, while optimal light levels were met at 86 m. Changes to the light environment (e.g. reduced water clarity) due to human activities therefore places these mesophotic algae at risk of light limitation, necessitating the importance of maintaining good water quality for the conservation and protection of mesophotic habitats.

Bibliographic Details

Voerman, Sofie E; Marsh, Beauregard C; Bahia, Ricardo G; Pereira-Filho, Guilherme H; Becker, Ana Clara F; Amado-Filho, Gilberto M; Ruseckas, Arvydas; Turnbull, Graham A; Samuel, Ifor D W; Burdett, Heidi L

The Royal Society

Immunology and Microbiology; Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology; Environmental Science; Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Provide Feedback

Have ideas for a new metric? Would you like to see something else here?Let us know