Marine Science Faculty Publications
Algal Symbiosis: A Mathematical Analysis
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1981
Keywords
Organic Matter, Respiration, Mathematical Analysis, Radiant Energy, Utilization Efficience
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00397691
Abstract
Host and algal symbion growth can be described by an iterative model which incorporates utilization efficiencies of host and symbiont. This model predicts that, with input of organic matter to the host and at very low host and algal utilization efficiences coupled with efficient recycling of nutrients between the host and symbionts, production of organic matter by the system can be increased by 2-3 orders of magnitude over that of a system comprised of only autotrophs and heterotrophs. Energy available for growth and respiration by the host is 1-2 orders of magnitude over that available to a heterotroph without symbionts. Algal symbiosis is highly advantageous in oligotrophic environments where radiant energy is abundant, growth-limiting nutrients are scarce and only concentrated in organic matter, and much energy must be expended to capture that organic matter.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
No
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Marine Biology, v. 62, issue 4, p. 249-255
Scholar Commons Citation
Hallock, Pamela, "Algal Symbiosis: A Mathematical Analysis" (1981). Marine Science Faculty Publications. 996.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/msc_facpub/996
