Abstract: | Chromosome number and morphology as well as reproductive seasonally were examined in Bangia populations collected from 88 sites along the British Columbia coasts. Sexual filaments were recorded at 35 sites and asexual filaments at 58. Four different types of Bangia were determined. These were characterized by reproductive state and chromosome number, as well as by their seasonally and range of distribution. A summer-fall three-chromosome sexual type occurred from approximately 50° N northward and a winter-spring four-chromosome sexual type had a northerly limit of approximately 54° N, extending to the southernmost areas of British Columbia. Two asexual types occurred, exhibiting little seasonally, six-chromosome populations throughout the coast and three-chromosome populations at three southerly sites only. Karyograms were prepared for the four chromosomal types, assigning tentative centromere locations. Somatic chromosome pairing was reported for the first time in the Rhodophyta. |