A critique of traditional approaches to seaweed distribution in light of the development of vicariance biogeography
An overview of the primary approaches to seaweed biogeography is provided in light of the development of vicariance biogeography. Each approach is discussed with particular regard to the extent to which the methods and objectives are compatible with vicariance. Ecological biogeography is considered an offshoot of ecology and physiology and is more appropriate in determining current distributions of organisms and aspects of physiological ecology rather than the speciation history of monophyletic groups. The R/P quotient of Feldmann and distribution of algal life-forms do not fall within the aegis of vicariance and are considered useful only in a descriptive sense. The examination of seaweed spans propounded by Pielou is considered flawed because of the lack of dependence on monophyletic groups. The floristic school of analysis of many seaweed biogeographers is analagous to the panbiogeography of Croizat, and provides the basis for the more concrete phylogenetic hypotheses that are the basis for vicariance analysis. The latter is considered the best methodology for studying the relationship between patterns of cladogenesis and the distribution of constituent taxa.
The biogeography of Lessoniaceae, with special reference to Macrocystis C. Agardh (Phaeophyta: Laminariales)
The bipolar distributions of Lessoniaceae and Macrocystis have been explained by migration out of a ‘centre of origin’ and across the tropics by means of dispersal, but controversy centres on the issue: which sector is the true centre of origin? We provide biological, palaeo-oceanographic and geological evidence that leads us to reject the centre of origin/migration theory and methodology in explaining ‘bipolarity’. As an alternative, a process of vicariant differentiation out of a Pacific Ocean/Southern Ocean ancestral complex is proposed. Moreover the biogeographic relationship between the southwest and northeast Pacific is shown to be a general phenomenon and not restricted to marine algae.
Accumulation of Bone-Seeking Radionuclides in Liver Metastasis from Colon Carcinoma
Fifteen colon cancer patients with metastasis to the liver were examined by both liver and bone scans. Seven of these showed accumulation of bone seeking radionuclides in the liver at the site of a defect in the scan. Such accumulation was found in two diphosphonate, in one pyrophosphate and in six 18F scans. To our knowledge, this is the first series to report localization of 18F in intrahepatic metastasis from colon cancer. The precise mechanism for this non-skeletal accumulation is unknown.