BIOTIC

BIOTIC Species Information for Ulva intestinalis

Researched by

Georgina Budd & Paolo Pizzola

Data supplied by

MarLIN

Refereed by

This information is not refereed.

Reproduction/Life History

Reproductive type

Vegetative
Alternation of generations

Developmental mechanism

Spores (sexual / asexual)

Reproductive Season

All year with summer maximum

Reproductive Location

Water column

Reproductive frequency

Annual protracted

Regeneration potential

Life span

<1 year

Age at reproductive maturity

See additional information

Generation time

<1 year

Fecundity

Not relevant

Egg/propagule size

Not relevant

Fertilization type

External

Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential	>10km	Larval settlement period	Not relevant
Duration of larval stage	See additional information

Reproduction Preferences Additional Information

Species of the genus Ulva are rapidly growing opportunists, favoured by the frequency and speed of their reproduction. The short lived plants reach maturity at a certain stage of development rather than relying on an environmental trigger. Ulva intestinalis can be found in reproductive condition at all times of the year but maximum development and reproduction occur during the summer months especially towards the northern end of the distribution of the species (Burrows, 1991). The life history consists of an isomorphic (indistinguishable except for the type of reproductive bodies produced) alternation between haploid gametophytic and diploid sporophytic generations but can be modified by environmental conditions (Burrows, 1959; Moss & Marsland, 1976; Reed & Russell, 1978). McArthur & Moss (1979) examined the process of gametogenesis and gamete structure using scanning and transmission electron microscopy.
The haploid gametophytes of Ulva produce enormous numbers of biflagellate motile gametes which cluster and fuse to produce a sporophyte (diploid zygote). The sporophyte matures and produces by meiosis large numbers of quadriflagellate zoospores that mature as gametophytes, and the cycle is repeated. Both gametes and spores may be released in such quantities into rock pools or slack water that the water mass is coloured green (Little & Kitching, 1996). Together spores and gametes are termed 'swarmers'. Swarmers are often released in relation to tidal cycles, with the release being triggered by the incoming tide as it wets the thallus. However, the degree of release is usually related to the stage of the spring/neap tidal cycle, so allowing regular periodicity and synchronization of reproduction (Little & Kitching, 1996). Christie & Evans (1962) found that swarmer release of Ulva intestinalis (as Enteromorpha intestinalis) from the Menai Straits, Wales, peaked just before the highest tides of each neap-spring cycle.
Mobility of swarmers belonging to Ulva intestinalis (as Enteromorpha intestinalis) can be maintained for as long as 8 days (Jones & Babb, 1968). Algae such as Ulva intestinalis tend to have large dispersal shadows, with propagules being found far from the nearest adult plants, e.g. 35 km (Amsler & Searles, 1980).

Reproduction References

Amsler & Searles, 1980, Knight & Parke, 1931, Little & Kitching, 1996, Burrows, 1959, Jones & Babb, 1968, Moss & Marsland, 1976, Reed & Russel, 1978, McArthur & Moss, 1979,