Abstract

ESPINOZA-AVALOS, Julio. Phenology of marine macroalgae. Hidrobiológica [online]. 2005, vol.15, n.1, pp.109-122. ISSN 0188-8897.

A loose usage of the term phenology in marine macroalgae studies has caused that other type of events have been recorded as phenological. In order to develop criteria as uniform as possible that allow conducting comparable studies among phycologists, the following definition of phenology is proposed to be adopted: "the study of the timing of recurring biological events and the causes of their timing with regard to abiotic and biotic factors". The use of this definition is appropriate in phenological studies of other organisms and encompasses a set of delimitations, based on an analysis of vascular plant phenology. Approaches to gather and analyze phenological variables are suggested. The importance of undertaking long term and large spatial scale studies is highlighted. The relevance of including all reproductive phases of macroalgae life histories is also emphasized in carrying out phenological studies.

Keywords : Phenology; seasonality; life cycles; non-phenological events; environmental triggers; communities.