Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses of Intertidal Benthic Algal Community in Cheju Island. 1. Species Composition and Distributional Patterns

Algae > Volume 9(2); 1994 > Article

Algae 1994;9(2): 193-203.

Seon Hong Park, Yong Pil Lee, Young Hwan Kim, In Kyu Lee

Department of Biology, Cheju National University. Department of Biology, Chungbuk National University. Department of Biology, Seoul National University

ABSTRACT

Species composition and distributional patterns of interidal benthic algae in Cheju Island were studied. We examined all species found at four sites monthly over a year (March 1987-February 1988). Of 110 taxa identified, 13 were Chlorophyta, 32 were Phaeophyta and 65 were Rhodophyta. The largest number of algal species (78) was found at Aewol, the northwestern part of the island, whereas the smallest number of species (54) was found from Sagye, the southwestern site. Numbers of species, on the whole, showed highest during the spring and to a lesser extent in late summer; minima were recorded in winter. 33 species were found at all four sites: Chlorophyta, 4; Phaeophyta, 13; Rhodophyta, 16. Of these, two brown algal species appeared throughout the study period: Hizikia fusiformis and Sargassum thunbergii. A total of 28 taxa occurred at only one site, including 4 Chlorophyta, 5 Phaeophyta and 19 Rhodophyta. The sites in the eastern part of the island were most similar to each other among pairs of sites based on floristic compositions. Differences in the proportions of algal division were generally apparent between the eastern and western coasts. These two coasts show differences in seawater temperatures and salinities, and it therefore seems likely that they can be separated from one another on hydrographic as well as biological grounds.

Key words: algal community, intertidal zone, Cheju Island, species composition, distributional pattern