Floristic affinities of North Carolina inshore benthic marine algae

Abstract

Comparative phenological studies and cross-gradient light-temperature experiments on selected Ceramiales from North Carolina demonstrated the presence of three biogeographic components in this taxon: eurythermal species of cool temperate, tropical, and warm temperate affinity. Results of these studies were extrapolated to support biogeographical conclusions postulated for the entire flora. Accuracy of these conclusions was tested by comparing the local inshore flora with other North Atlantic floras.