Recent Dasycladales (Chlorophyta) in Okinawa Jima in the Central Ryukyus,southwestern Japan: Paleontological implications |
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| Authors: | Hideo Ohba Shinya Matsuda Ryuji Asami Yasufumi Iryu |
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| Institution: | 1. Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Suruga‐ku, Shizuoka, Japan;2. Faculty of Education, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan;3. Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan;4. Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Aobayama, Sendai, Japan |
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| Abstract: | Recent dasycladalean algae (Dasycladales, Chlorophyta) are classified into two families, 11 genera, and 44 species, and inhabit the tropical to warm‐temperate waters of the world. Twelve species of dasycladalean algae occur in Okinawa Jima, Ryukyu Islands. In this paper, the present‐day dasycladalean species and their distributions in Okinawa Jima are reported and their paleontological implications are discussed. Dasycladalean algae grow mainly on coral rubble and rocks, often forming large meadows in calm shallow lagoons. However, Dasycladus vermicularis occurs in deeper waters, at depths of 15–89 m, around Okinawa Jima. Neomeris annulata is found at water depths of 0–30 m. These data throw doubt on the interpretation that the occurrence of dasycladalean algae is linked to warm shallow habitats. |
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| Keywords: | Dasycladaceae Dasycladales Okinawa Jima Polyphysaceae recent Ryukyu Islands |
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