01649nas a2200121 4500008004100000245019000041210006900231300000800300490002200308520114300330100001801473856003601491 2017 eng d00aUsing an individual based model to evaluate the effects of climate change on the reproductive phenology of eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) along a latitudinal gradient (master’s thesis).0 aUsing an individual based model to evaluate the effects of clima a2530 vMaster of Science3 a

I explored the effects of climate change on the reproductive biology of the clonal
marine angiosperm Zostera marina L. (eelgrass) using an individual-based model.
The model captures whole plant ontogeny, morphology, and ecophysiology from seed
to reproductive adult to simulate the plasticity of eelgrass in response to
environmental variables. Using a latitudinal gradient as a proxy for climate change,
virtual seeding experiments were performed in three locations along the East coast of
the United States. I simulated the impacts of increased temperatures on Z. marina’s
biomass, reproductive phenology, and life history. Warmer temperatures resulted in a
modeled decrease of Z. marina’s total biomass, as well as altered reproductive timing
and strategy. These results have implications for long term predictions of Z. marina
persistence in its traditional biogeographic range, and indicate adaptation via shifts in
phenology and reproductive strategy may interact to dampen some negative
consequences of increased temperatures.

1 aFoley, J., L. u//www.simulistics.com/node/4388