EVOLUTION OF THE ANTARCTIC MARINE BENTHIC ALGAL FLORA

There are many logistic difficulties associated with studying Antarctic marine algae and, as a consequence, the taxonomic information available is far from comprehensive and any generalizations should be regarded with caution. The Antarctic marine benthic flora is characterized by a low species richness. Biogeographical characteristics of the flora are outlined. There is a high degree of endemism, possibly around 35-40%. Other major floristic elements are a group of species with a distribution extending to Terra del Fuego and subantarctic islands, a group spread through temperate regions of the Southern Hemisphere, and a cosmopolitan group. Ecological observations show that ice has a major effect on the occurrence and distribution of algae, and ecophysiological studies indicate that Antarctic macroalgae possess various adaptations to ice, low temperatures, and strongly seasonal light conditions. Possible trends in the evolution of the Antarctic benthic marine flora, including a reduction in species richness and the origins of biogeographical links with subantarctic and temperate regions of the Southern Hemisphere, are discussed in the context of tectonic and climatic changes over the past 100 million years. A comparison is made with studies on the evolution of shallow-water marine fauna.