THE LIFE HISTORY OF CALLITHAMNION BYSSOIDES IN CULTURE

Abstract

The life history of Callithamnion byssoides Arnott ex Harv. in Hook. has been shown to comprise a regular sequence of gametophytic, carposporophytic, and tetrasporophytic phases in unialgal culture using supplemented seawater media. Tetraspore germlings gave rise to gametophytes bearing either antheridia or carpogonia in 13 days. Fertilization, carposporophyte development, and carpospore release took place within 5 days. Carpospore germlings produced mature tetrasporophytes in 13 days. The life history thus required approximately 1 month for completion. No deviations from this pattern were observed.