Significance of macroalgal polymorphism: intraspecific tests of the functional-form model

The functional-form model, developed for comparisons among species in a diverse macroalgal community, was used to examine the functional significance of macroalgal polymorphism (i.e., the existence of genetically distinct morphotypes within a single species). Four predictions of this model were examined along a continuum of morphotypes represented by eight clones of the red alga Gracilaria tikvahiae McLachlan. These clones had significant differences in calorific contnet, percentage of photosynthetic tissue, net photosynthesis, and specific growth rate.