Erasmo Macaya - Web Page

PhD Study

Macrocystis represents the most widely recognized kelp genus, forming dense forests that span the temperate west coasts of North and South America and also includes Argentina, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and most of the sub-Antarctic islands See map below). Despite their economic and ecological importance, Macrocystis phylogeny, taxonomy and dispersal pattern still remains unresolved. Using different molecular markers I will study the connectivity, phylogeography and dispersal patterns of Macrocystis in a global scale and with more emphasis in New Zealand and Chilean coasts. My proposed study will contribute to a better understanding of the evolutionary ecology and dispersal patterns of Macrocystis and thereby provide an important tool for marine ecologists and conservation managers involved in the design of networks of marine protected areas.

Macrocystis worlwide distribution, showing sampling sites.

Articles

Macaya E. & Zuccarello, G. (2010). Genetic structure of the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera along the south-eastern Pacific. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 420: 103-112. (PDF available from author)

Macaya E. & Zuccarello, G. 2010. DNA barcoding and genetic divergence in the giant kelp Macrocystis (Laminariales). Journal of Phycology. 46: 736-742. (PDF available from author)


Macrocystis pyrifera, conical holdfast	Macrocystis integrifolia ecomorph, rhizomatous holdfast

Macrocystis integrifolia ecomorph apical tips. Playa Blanca, northern Chile.

Macrocystis pyrifera form blades and aerocysts. Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand.


Offshore floating kelp rafts , Coquimbo northern Chile.	Macrocystis integrifolia ecomorph, floating kelp raft. Playa Blanca, northern Chile.

Macrocystis integrifolia ecomorph. Playa Blanca, northern Chile.

Macrocystis pyrifera ecomorph. Stewart Island, New Zealand.

Macrocystis angustifolia ecomorph. Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia.