![Sample our Bioscience journals, sign in here to start your access, Latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5925/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Bioscience.jpg"})
Abstract
The maximum life-span of fronds of Macrocystis pyrifera in the Falkland Islands was calculated to be 1 year, independent of the time of the year in which the fronds were formed. Frond survival was determined in a shallow, coastal zone and in a deeper bed further off shore. There was no great variation in the survival of fronds produced at different times of the year. In shallow, coastal waters the half-life of the frond population was estimated to be 2 to 3 months. Losses were mainly due to damage and disappearance of fronds caused by abrasion on rocks and removal of complete plants from the area. For the fronds in a deeper bed, a half-life of 5 to 6 months was estimated; frond losses were probably mainly caused by water movements.
