Trait Plasticity and Warming Vulnerability in a Structurally Diverse Seagrass Ecosystem.

ABSTRACT: Seagrass ecosystems deliver critical ecological functions but are increasingly threatened by climate change and local stressors. In temperate lagoons, thermal stress, turbidity and tidal exposure influence the structure and persistence of seagrass meadows. We investigated spatial and seasonal variability in Zostera capensis morphology and density in Langebaan Lagoon, South Africa. Field surveys and environmental monitoring revealed strong spatial contrasts: shallow, exposed sites supported small-leaved morphotypes with high shoot densities but low biomass, while deeper, cooler sites harboured sparse large-leaved morphotypes with greater canopy height and biomass. Seasonal diebacks were pronounced in late summer, coinciding with elevated temperature and irradiance, followed by regrowth in a

SUBMITTER: Lawrence CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12370319 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature