Abstract
Wave-exposed rocky intertidal habitats of central Chile exhibit zonation of algal morphologies rather than strict patterns of species zonation. In low shore areas, there is a vertical sequence of perennial belts of calcareous crusts, kelp-like forms and expanded cushions or non-calcareous crusts. The calcareous crusts are represented by species of Mesophyllum, the kelp-like forms include Lessonia nigrescens and Durvillaea antarctica, while the cushions are represented by Gelidium chilense and G. lingulatum and the noncalcareous, expanded crusts by Codium dimorphum. Thin and thick blades, represented by Iridaea laminarioides, Ulva rigida and Porphyra columbia and filamentous forms including Ceramium rubrum, Centroceras clavulatum and Polysiphonia spp. are more patchy than the lower, perennial belts. They may, however, form distinct temporal monocultures at upper intertidal levels. Upper and lower limits of the various zones are set by interactions of several factors, the relative importance of which can change seasonally. When some of the factors restricting species distribution are experimentally removed, other interactions among factors become limiting.
Within each zone, species are morphologically similar, with the abundance of species being regulated by symmetric competitive interactions. Competition is often asymmetric at the boundaries of zones except when adults of small-sized forms interact with morphologically similar juveniles of larger forms. Irrespective of their extremely different morphologies, the permanent, zone-forming algal species generally combine escape from grazers or defensive adaptations with clear competitive abilities. Nevertheless, there is a clear competitive hierarchy which is expressed in vertical displacements and zonation. The lowershore habitats could potentially be occupied by any of the different types of algae. Fast growth and large size allow the kelps to occupy this zone pushing the calcareous crust dominated-zone down into shallow subtidal areas and displacing the cushions and fleshy crusts into the low and middle intertidal regions. In turn, these last forms can displace thick and thin foliose forms and filaments to upper levels on the shore. Displaced forms may exist as patches at various levels of the shore.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Alveal, K. 1970. Estudios ficoecológicos en la región costera de Valparaíso. Rev. Biol. mar., Valparaíso 14: 85–119
Alveal, K., 1971. El ambiente costero de Montemar y su expresión biológica. Rev. Biol. mar., Valparaíso 14: 85–119
Baker, S. M., 1909. On the causes of the zoning of brown seaweeds on the seashore. New Phytol. 8: 196–202
Black, R., 1974. Some biological interactions affecting intertidal populations of the kelp Egregia laevigata. Mar. Biol. 28: 189–198
Burrows, E. M. & S. M. Lodge, 1951. Autoecology and the species problem in Fucus. J. mar. biol. Ass. U.K. 30: 161–176
Burrows, E. M. & S. M. Lodge, 1953. Intertidal plant populations with special reference to the genus Fucus. Proc. int. Seaweed Symp. 1: 6
Buschmann, A. & B. Santelices, 1987. Micrograzers and spore release in Iridaea laminarioides Bory (Rhodophyta: Gigartinales). J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 108: 171–179
Castilla, J. C., 1979. Características bióticas del Pacifico Sur-Oriental, con especial referencia al sector chileno. Revista de la Comisión Permanente del Pacifico Sur 10: 167–182
Castilla, J. C., 1981. Perspectivas de investigación en estructura y dinámica de comunidades intermareales rocosas de Chile Central. II. Depredadores de alto nivel trófico. Medio Ambiente 5: 190–215
Chapman, A. R. O.,1986. Population and community ecology of seaweeds. In J. H. S. Blaxter & A. J. Southward (eds), Advances in Marine Biology, Academic Press, Lond. 26: 1–161
Chapman, A. R. O. & C. L. Goudey, 1983. Demographic study of the macrothallus of Leathesia diormis (Phaeophyta) in Nova Scotia. Can. J. Bot. 61: 319–323
Connell, J. H., 1972. Community interactions on marine rocky intertidal shores. Ann. Rev. Ecol. Syst. 4: 169–192
Connell, J. H., 1975. Some mechanisms producing structure in natural communities: A model and evidence from field experiments. In M. L. Cody & J. M. Diamond (eds), Ecology and Evolution of Communities. Harvard University Press, Cambridge: 480–490
Connell, J. H., 1983. On the prevalence and relative importance of interspecific competition: Evidence from field experiments. Am. Nat. 122: 661–696
Dahl, E., 1953. Some aspects of the ecology and zonation of the fauna on sandy beaches. Oikos4: 1–27
Dayton, P. K., 1971. Competition, disturbance and community organization. The provision and subsequent utilization of space in a rocky intertidal community. Ecol. Monogr. 41: 351–389
Dayton, P. K., 1975a. Experimental evaluation of ecological dominance in a rocky intertidal algal community. Ecol. Monogr. 45: 137–159
Dayton, P. K., 1975b. Experimental studies of algal canopy interactions in a sea-otter-dominated kelp community at Amchitka Island, Alaska. Fish. Bull. U.S.A. 73: 230–237
Dayton, P. K., 1984. Processes structuring some marine communities: Are they general? In D. R. Strong, D. Simberloff, L. G. Abele & A. Thistle (eds), Ecological Communities: Conceptual Issues and the Evidence. Princeton University Press, Princeton: 181–197
Dayton, P. K., V. Curril, T. Gerrodette, B. D. Keller, R. Rosenthal & D. V. Tresce, 1984. Patch dynamics and stability of some California kelp communities. Ecol. Monogr. 54:253–289
DeWreede, R. E. & T. Klinger, 1987. Reproductive strategies in algae. In J. Lovett-Doust & L. Lovett-Doust (eds), Plant Reproductive Strategies. Oxford University Press, London (in press)
Foster, M., 1982. Factors controlling the intertidal zonation of Iridaea flaccida (Rhodophyta). J. Phycol. 18: 285–294
Guiler, E. R., 1959a. Intertidal belt forming species on the rocky coast of northern Chile. Papers and Proceedings, Royal Society of Tasmania93: 33–58
Guiler, E. R., 1959b. The intertidal ecology of the Montemar area, Chile. Papers and Proceedings, Royal Society of Tasmania 93: 165–183
Hannach, G. & B. Santelices, 1985. Ecological differences between the isomorphic reproductive phases of two species of Iridaea (Rhodophyta: Gigartinales). Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 22: 291–303
Hay, M. E., 1981. The functional morphology of turf-forming seaweeds: persistence in stressful marine habitats. Ecology 62: 739–750
Hruby, T., 1976. Observations of algal zonation resulting from competition. Estuar. coast. mar. sci. 4: 231–233
Innes, D. J., 1988. Genetic differentiation in the intertidal zone in populations of the alga Enteromorpha linza (Ulvales: Chlorophyta). Mar. Biol. 97: 9–16
Jara, H. F. & C. A. Moreno, 1984. Herbivory and structure in a mid-littoral rocky community: a case in southern Chile. Ecology 65: 28–38
Jernakoff, P., 1983. Factors affecting the recruitment of algae in a mid shore region dominated by barnacles. J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 67: 17–31
Jernakoff, P., 1985. An experimental evaluation of the influence of barnacles, crevices and seasonal patterns of grazing on algal diversity and cover in an intertidal barnacle zone. J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 88: 287–302
Kastendiek, J., 1982. Competitor-mediated coexistance: interactions among three species of benthic macroalgae. J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 62: 201–210
Littler, M. M. & D. S. Littler, 1980. The evolution of thallus form and survival strategies in benthic marine macroalgae: field and laboratory test of a functional form model. Am. Nat. 116: 25–44
Lubchenco, J., 1980. Algal zonation in a New England rocky intertidal community: An experimental analysis. Ecology 61: 333–344
Lubchenco, J. & J. Cubit, 1980. Heteromorphic life histories of certain marine algae as adaptations to variations in herbivory. Ecology 61: 676–687
Lubchenco, J. & B. A. Menge, 1978. Community development and persistence in a low rocky intertidal zone. Ecol. Monogr. 48: 67–94
Markham, J. W., 1978. Observations on the ecology of Laminaria sinclairii (Harvey) Farlow, Anderson et Eaton. Syesis1: 125–131
Montalva, S. & B. Santelices, 1981. Interspecific interference among species of Gelidium from Central Chile. J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 53: 77–88
Moreno, C. A. & E. Jaramillo, 1983. The role of grazers in the zonation of intertidal macroalgae of the Chilean coast near Valdivia. Oikos 41: 73–76
Moreno, C. A., J. P. Sutherland & H. F. Jara, 1984. Man as a predator in the intertidal zone of southern Chile. Oikos 42: 155–160
Neushul, M. 1972. Functional interpretation of benthic marine algal morphology. In I. Abbott & M. Kurogi (eds), Contributions to the Systematics of Benthic Marine Algae of the North Pacific. Japanese Society of Phycology, Kobe: 47–73
Oliva, D. & J. C. Castilla, 1986. The effect of human exclusion on the population structure of key-hole limpets Fissurella crassa and F. limbata on the coast of Central Chile. P.S.Z.N.I.: Marine Ecology 7: 201–207
Ojeda, F. P. & B. Santelices, 1984. Ecological dominance of Lessonia nigrescens (Phaeophyta) in Central Chile. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 19: 83–91
Paine, R. T., 1979. Disaster, catastrophe and local persistance of the sea palm Postelsia palmaeformis. Science 205:685–687
Paine, R. T., 1984. Ecological determinism in the competition for space. Ecology 65: 1339–1348
Paine, R. T. & R. L. Vadas, 1969. The effects of grazing by sea urchins, Strongylocentrotus spp., on benthic algal populations. Limnol. Oceanogr. 14: 710–719
Paine, R. T., C. J. Slocum & D. O. Duggins, 1979. Growth and longevity in the crustose red alga Petrocelis middendorfi. Mar. Biol. 51: 185–192
Quinn, J. F., 1982. Competitive hierarchies in marine benthic communities. Oecologia 54: 129–135
Ruiz, E. & L. Giampoli, 1981. Estudios distribucionales de la flora y fauna costera de Caleta Cocholgue, Bahía de Concepción, Chile. Boletín de la Sociedad de Biología de Concepción 52: 145–166
Romo, H. & K. Alveal, 1977. Las comunidades del litoral rocoso de Punta Ventanilla, Bahía de Quintero, Chile. Gayana (Misc.) 6: 1–41
Rosenthal, R. J., W. D. Clarke & P. K. Dayton, 1974. Ecology and natural history of a stand of giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera off Del Mar, California. Fish. Bull. U.S.A. 72: 670–684
Santelices, B., 1981. Perspectivas de investigación en estructura y dinámica de comunidades intermareales rocosas de Chile Central. I. Cinturones de macroalgas. Medio Ambiente 5: 175–189
Santelices, B., 1989. Coastal ecosystems of mainland Chile. In P. Nienhuis & A. Mathieson (eds), Intertidal and Littoral Ecosystems of the World. Elsevier Scientific Publishing Co. 24 (in press).
Santelices, B. & M. Avila, 1986. Bases biológicas para maximizar cosecha de ‘Luche’ (Porphyra columbina Montagne) en Chile Central. En R. Westermeier (ed.), Actas del Segundo Congreso Nacional sobre Algas Marinas Chilenas. Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile: 201–211
Santelices, B. & F. P. Ojeda, 1984. Recruitment, growth and survival of Lessonia nigrescens (Phaeophyta) at various tidal levels in exposed habitats of Central Chile. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 19: 73–82
Santelices, B. & E. Martinez, 1988. Effects of filter-feeders and grazers on algal settlement and growth in mussel beds. J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 118: 281–306
Santelices, B. & R. Norambuena, 1987. A harvesting strategy for Iridaea laminarioides in Central Chile. Hydrobiologia 151/152:329–333
Santelices, B., J. Cancino, S. Montalva, R. Pinto & E. González, 1977. Estudios ecológicos en la zona costera afectada por contaminación del ‘Northern Breeze’. II. Comunidades de playas de rocas. Medio Ambiente 2: 65–83
Santelices, B., J. C. Castilla, J. Cancino & P. Schmiede, 1980. Comparative ecology of Lessonia nigrescens and Durvillaea antarctica (Phaeophyta) in Central Chile. Mar. Biol. 59: 119–132
Santelices, B., S. Montalva & P. Oliger, 1981. Competitive algal community organization in exposed intertidal habitats for Central Chile. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 6: 267–276
Slocum, C. J., 1980. Differential susceptibility to grazers in two phases of an intertidal alga: Advantages of heteromorphic generations. J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 46: 99–110
Smith, B. D., 1986. Implications of population dynamics and interspecific competition for harvest management of the seaweed Laminaria. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 33: 7–18
Sousa, W. P., 1979a. Experimental investigations of disturbance and ecological succession in a rocky intertidal algal community. Ecol. Monogr. 49: 227–254
Sousa, W. P., 1979b. Disturbance in marine intertidal boulder fields: The non equilibrium maintenance of species diversity. Ecology 60: 1225–1239
Sutherland, J., 1974. Multiple stable points in natural communities. Am. Nat. 108: 859–873
Taylor, P. R. & M. E. Hay, 1984. Functional morphology of intertidal seaweds: adaptive significance of aggregate vs. solitary forms. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 18: 295–302
Underwood, A. J., 1980. The effects of grazing by gastropods and physical factors on the upper limits of distribution of intertidal macroalgae. Oecologia (Berlin) 46: 201–213
Underwood, A. J., 1986. The analysis of competition by field experiments. In J. Kikkawa & D. J. Anderson (eds), Community Ecology: Patterns and Process. Blackwell Scientific Press: 240–268.
Underwood, A. J. & E. J. Denley, 1984. Paradigms, explanations and generalizations in models for the structure of intertidal communities on rocky shores. In D. R. Strong, D. Simberloff, L. G. Abele & A. Thistle (eds), Ecological communities: Conceptual issues and the evidence. Princeton University Press, Princeton: 151–180
Underwood, A. J. & P. Jernakoff, 1981. Effects of interactions between algae and grazing gastropods on the structure of a low-shore intertidal algal community. Oecologia 48: 221–233
Underwood, A. J. & P. Jernakoff, 1984. The effects of tidal height, wave-exposure, seasonality and rocky-pools on grazing and distribution of intertidal macroalgae in New South Wales. J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 75: 71–96
Vadas, R., 1979. Seaweeds: an overview, ecological and economic importance. Experientia 35: 429–432
Velimirov, B. & C. L. Griffiths, 1979. Wave-induced kelp movement and its importance for community structure. Bot. mar. 22: 169–172
Westermeier, R., P. J. Rivera, M. Chacana & I. Gómez, 1987. Biological bases for management of Iridaea laminarioides Bory in southern Chile. Hydrobiologia 151/152: 313–328
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Santelices, B. Patterns of organizations of intertidal and shallow subtidal vegetation in wave exposed habitats of central Chile. Hydrobiologia 192, 35–57 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00006226
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00006226