Dinamica dei sistemi a Cymodocea nodosa, Zostera marina e Zostera noltii nel Mediterraneo

Abstract

Data on geographical and depth distribution, sediment granulometry, salinity, biomass variability, below/aboveground biomass ratio, and reproductive strategies of seagrass communities in the Mediterranean Sea were analysed to describe their dynamics patterns.

Notwithstanding their different latitudinal distribution, they have a similar seasonal biomass variability, deriving both from extrinsic forcing (e.g. light and temperature) and intrinsic species-specific components (e.g. reproduction pattern), these latter being responsible for their different structure and seasonal dynamics.

Key Words:

• seagrass
• Cymodocea nodosa
• Zostera marina
• Zostera noltii
• distribution
• biomass
• growth strategy
• Mediterranean sea