Population structure of Chondrus crispus Stackhouse (Gigartinaceae, Rhodophyta) along the coast of Prince Edward Island, Canada: distribution of gametophytic and sporophytic fronds

Chondrus crispus Stackhouse populations in sublittoral Prince Edward Island are composed of both gametophytes and sporophytes. The overall ratio of phases is ≈ 1:1. Although there were considerable local variations in the distribution of these two generations, the 1:1 ratio is in contrast with previous reports of gametophytic : sporophytic ratios for C. crispus. It is proposed that because of the soft friable substratum disturbance affects the sublittoral biotic community and results in extensive removal of both fronds and plants of C. crispus. The evidence suggests that the gametophytic : sporophytic ratio of fronds in populations of C. crispus in Prince Edward Island results from stochastic events, with both generations having equal chances of becoming established.