Asynchronous and density-dependent germination: the spreading of risk in Plumatella emarginata.

I examined both temporal and spatial aspects of the germination of asexually produced sessoblasts of the phylactolaemate bryozoan Plumatella emarginata. The majority of sessoblasts germinated over a 5-week period from April to May; low frequencies of germination were observed from June to September. During May and June high sessoblast density further enhanced asynchrony. Risk spreading in response to both unpredictable disturbances and high sessoblast density may explain asynchronous germination in this system.