Modelling multivariate determinants of growth in Antarctic bryozoans

Bryozoans seem fairly typical amongst Antarctic benthos, in both the timing and magnitude of growth. Growth varies interspecifically from nearly comparable to much slower than warm water equivalent species. Factors including species identity, age, year, competition, substratum stability and locality have been suggested as influential. We analysed 5000 colonies of three of the most ubiquitous cheilostomatids in shallow’ Antarctic waters, Celleporella bougaimillei, Fenestrulina regular and Inversiula nulrix. Substratum surface area and depth were treated as separate factors, but both act as proxies for substratum stability. Intra- and inter-specific competition were also treated as separate factors. Growth of…