Variation in flexural, morphological, and biochemical leaf properties of eelgrass (Zostera marina) along the European Atlantic climate regions

authored by: Maike Paul, Carmen B. de los Santos
Abstract: Seagrasses need to withstand hydrodynamic forces; therefore, mechanical properties such as flexibility or breaking resistance are beneficial for survival. The co-variation of leaf breaking properties with biochemical traits in seagrasses has been documented, but it is unknown if the same patterns apply to leaf flexural properties. To interpret changes in the ecological function of seagrass ecosystems based on acclimation responses to environmental changes, it is necessary to understand the factors that affect flexural leaf properties. Here, morphological and flexural leaf properties of the perennial type of Zostera marina across different environmental conditions along European Atlantic climate regions are presented together with C:N ratio and neutral detergent fibre content as descriptors of biochemical leaf composition. Eelgrass leaves from cold regions were ~ threefold more elastic and ~ tenfold more flexible, were also narrower (1.7-fold), and contained ~ 1.9-fold higher fibre content than from plants growing in warmer regions. Eelgrass also showed acclimation to local conditions such as seasonality, water depth, and hydrodynamic exposure. Leaves collected from exposed or shallower locations or during winter were more flexible, suggesting an avoidance strategy to hydrodynamic forcing, which is generally higher under those conditions. Flexural rigidity was almost equally controlled by bending modulus (35%) and leaf thickness (37%), indicating functional differences compared to leaf breaking described in the literature. Overall, the findings indicate that Zostera marina has a high flexural plasticity and high acclimation capacity to some climate change effects such as sea level rise and increase in storm frequency and intensity.
Organisation(s): Ludwig-Franzius-Institute of Hydraulics, Estuarine and Coastal Engineering
External Organisation(s): Technische Universität Braunschweig
Universidade do Algarve
Type: Article
Journal: Marine biology
Volume: 166
ISSN: 0025-3162
Publication date: 10.2019
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics, Aquatic Science, Ecology
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 13 - Climate Action
Electronic version(s): http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/14239 (Access: Open)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-019-3577-2 (Access: Closed)