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Seaweed Biology pp 135–156Cite as

Competition, a Major Factor Structuring Seaweed Communities

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Part of the book series: Ecological Studies ((ECOLSTUD,volume 219))

Abstract

Competition among marine macroalgae for light, space, and nutrients can be a deterministic force in establishing biogeographic patterns of species distribution and abundance, regulating growth and reproduction, governing how populations respond to disturbances, and structuring coastal ecosystems. However, the direction, strength, and importance of these interactions vary considerably with species identity, location, and time that these interactions take place, and with changes to the physical and biological environment. As a result, many species have evolved special morphologies and/or life history traits that enable them to better access these resources and thus outcompete their neighbors, but these traits often come with trade-offs that may make them more susceptible to environmental stressors. Here, we review some of the main concepts related to how macroalgae compete for resources and provide case studies that demonstrate the importance of competition in structuring benthic communities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA, 92182, USA

    Matthew S. Edwards

  2. Southern Seas Ecology Laboratories, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide, DP 418, Adelaide, 5005, Australia

    Sean D. Connell

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  1. Matthew S. Edwards
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Correspondence to Matthew S. Edwards .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Section Functional Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute, Bremerhaven, Germany

    Christian Wiencke

  2. Marine Botany, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany

    Kai Bischof

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Edwards, M.S., Connell, S.D. (2012). Competition, a Major Factor Structuring Seaweed Communities. In: Wiencke, C., Bischof, K. (eds) Seaweed Biology. Ecological Studies, vol 219. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-28451-9_7

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