Leaf-size Dynamics forZostera marinaL. in San Quintin Bay, México: a Theoretical Study

A modification to the traditional restricted-growth model, including a factor associated with environmental forcing, is presented in the present paper. The model was fitted to observed leaf-growth rates in aZostera marinameadow in the temperate waters of San Quintin Bay, México. Results indicate that the proposed model, with a representation of the environmental-forcing factor as a general linear function of underwater radiation, water temperature, dissolved nutrients and their cross products, is consistent with the available data on average growth rates. A theoretical asymptotic length of 1432 mm was obtained. This is consistent with reported maximum leaf lengths. The use of the model to obtain a lower bound for short life span is discussed. The estimation of the minimum time for a growing leaf to reach a given size is also illustrated.