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Successful external fertilization in turbulent environments
E A Serrao1, G Pearson, L Kautsky
1Department of Plant Biology and Pathology, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5722, USA.
Summary
Marine seaweeds achieve high fertilization rates by releasing gametes during calm water periods, not turbulent ones. This adaptation ensures reproductive success even in wave-exposed habitats.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Reproductive Ecology
- Oceanography
Background:
- External fertilization is predicted to be unsuccessful in high water motion habitats due to gamete dilution.
- Organisms may have evolved strategies to overcome these hydrodynamic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if marine organisms achieve high fertilization success by timing gamete release to calm intervals.
- To examine the influence of water motion and photosynthesis on gamete release in fucoid seaweeds.
Main Methods:
- Field observations of gamete release timing and fertilization success in Fucus vesiculosus.
- Laboratory experiments on Fucus vesiculosus, Fucus distichus, and Pelvetia fastigiata to test the effects of water motion and light on gamete release.
Main Results:
- Fucus vesiculosus released gametes only during low water velocity periods (< 0.2 m/s), coinciding with specific lunar and evening cues.
- High water motion inhibited gamete release in all tested fucoid species.
- Photosynthesis was found to be essential for high rates of gamete release.
Conclusions:
- Fucoid seaweeds successfully employ timed gamete release to ensure fertilization in turbulent intertidal and subtidal zones.
- Environmental factors, including hydrodynamics and photosynthesis, play a crucial role in modulating reproductive strategies.
- Sensitivity to environmental cues enables successful external fertilization even in challenging habitats.