海草的种内差异是它在特定环境中形成生长策略的关键因素。本研究通过将现场实测数据和文献记录进行类比以探讨新村湾海黾草(Thalassia hemprichii)的生长策略。研究结果表明海黾草地下茎伸长速率的差异可以解释该海草生物量和生长的大部分种内差异;新村湾海黾草垂直地下茎和水平地下茎的伸长速率在夏季分别为2.38cm/yr和24.4cm/yr,在冬季分别为1.87cm/yr和29.2cm/yr。海黾草茎枝密度的变化范围是822shootsm^-2至941shoots m^-2,最大值出现在夏季而最小值出现在冬季,生物量的季节变化与此类似。新村湾海黾草通过交替调节垂直地下茎和水平地下茎的伸长速率以适应光照强度和温度的季节变化,从而导致茎枝密度和地上生物量的相应变化。通过这样的生长策略,海黾草可以把夏季干旱和冬季光照强度下降对其生长造成的消极影响降低到最小程度。
A compilation of data on biomass and growth allowed an examination of the intraspecific plasticity in Tha/assia hemprichii which played key roles to develop site-specific growth strategies for this species in Xincun Bay. The results showed the difference in rhizome elongation rates which explained most of the variation of biomass and growth within species. The seagrass T. hempdchii in Xincun Bay adjusted its vertical and horizontal rhizome elongation rates alternatively in response to light level and temperature changes, resulting in the variation of shoot densities and above biomass in return. The vertical and horizontal rhizomes elongated at rates of 2.38 and 24.4 cm yr1 in summer while 1.87 and 29.2 cm yr^-1 in winter respectively. The shoot density ranged from 822 to 941 shoots m^2 with a peak in summer and a trough in winter which was similar to that of biomass. The growth strategy enabled T. hempdchii to minimize the negative effects of desiccation in summer as well as light reduction in winter.