| Abstract: | The hypothesis is that plants growing in the intertidal region display developmental and morphological differences from subtidal plants of the same species. Intertidal and subtidal populations of Padina sanctae-crucis Börg. Were compared, emphasizing morphological and developmental features. Plant size in relation to number of reproductive bands, vegetative cell sizes and the rate of spore development were analyzed to evaluate the hypothesis. The results indicate that environmental stress tends to dwarf intertidal plants through reduction in cell size. Spores from both intertidal and subtidal populations were cultured in the laboratory under standard conditions. No significant differences were found between the growth rates. The results may be interpreted to mean that cell enlargement is inhibited by intertidal stress. |
