Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Koch, Marguerite

Abstract

Field data from CO2 vents, a current model of future ocean acidification conditions, show a positive correlation between elevated seawater pCO2 and fleshy macroalgal abundance, as well as a negative correlation between elevated seawater pCO2 and calcareous macroalgal abundance on coral reefs. One underlying physiological mechanism for increases of fleshy macroalgae species in response to greater pCO2 could be an increase in their photosynthesis. Furthermore, inorganic carbon use mechanisms, irradiance and depth may influence species-specific responses to ocean acidification. Therefore, this thesis aimed to discern carbon use strategies and photosynthetic responses to elevated pCO2 of dominant tropical fleshy and calcareous macroalgae. All species studied were able to utilize HCO3 - for photosynthesis. 33% of calcifying macroalgae and 80% of fleshy macroalgae had increased photosynthetic rates in response to lower pH. Thus, future conditions of OA may perpetuate or exacerbate the abundance of fleshy seaweeds at the expense of calcareous species.

Extent

89 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2017.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.

Identifier

FA00004879

Format

pdf

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