| Abstract: | The intertidal seaweeds Corallina vancouveriensis Yendo and Gelidium coulteri Harv. respond to the experimental removal of associated mats of the clonal anemone Anthopleura elegantissima Brandt with morphological changes that affect their photosynthetic performances. With the removal of anemones, these seaweeds develop a tight compaction of thalli which aids in the retention of moisture during aerial exposure. The morphological response, however, results in greatly reduced net photosynthesis in C. vancouveriensis (–98%) and G. coulteri (–73%) on an areal basis. Association with the clonal anemones allows these seaweeds to maintain a morphology that is more highly productive yet inconsistent with the exposure stresses in many microhabitats at similar tidal levels. |
