Transcript Green algae
*Refer to Chapter 5 in your Textbook
Learning Goals:
1. I can differentiate between algae and marine
plants.
2. I can label & describe the structure of both algae
and marine plants.
3. I can explain the ecological role of both algae and
marine plants .
Algae Classification:
Macroalgae = “Seaweed”
Kingdom Protista
3 Phylums:
Chlorophyta = green algae
2. Rhodophyta = red algae
3. Phaephyta = brown algae
1.
Algae Structure:
No roots, stems, or leaves
Thallus: entire body
Blade: “leaves” photosynthesize
Stipe: “stem” but does not transport nutrients
Holdfast: “roots” but does not absorb
nutrients
Float: filled with air/gas
Algae Ecosystems:
Green algae is the least common in the ocean, but it
is found on rocky shore & lagoon ecosystems
Red algae is the only algae that can create a hard
outer skeleton to contribute to coral reef ecosystems
Brown algae is the most common in the ocean, and
the only algae large enough to create an entire kelp
forest ecosystem
Algae Uses:
Green algae is mostly used for food, cosmetic, &
medicinal purposes
They are also trying to turn green algae into a biofuel
Red algae is also used as food in sushi & as a
thickening agent in food like ice cream
Brown algae can be used in herbal supplements as
well as extracting iodine
Marine Plant Classification:
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Anthophyta = flowering plants (seagrass &
mangroves)
3 Types of Mangroves =
1.
Red
2.
Black
3.
White
LOTS of types of Seagrass
Seagrass is considered to be the only “truly marine plant”
Hydrophyte: lives submerged beneath the water
Paddle Grass
Turtle Grass
Widgeon Grass
Shoal Grass
Manatee Grass
Red Mangroves:
defining feature
prop/drop roots
above ground
Black Mangroves:
defining feature
pneumatophores
which are roots that
stick out of the
ground like fingers
White Mangroves:
defining feature is a
white flower that
blooms within the
leaves
Marine Plant Structure:
Structurally more complex than algae:
Leaf: where photosynthesis occurs & gas is released
Stem: transports water & nutrients through plant
Roots: absorb water & nutrients, anchor plant
Seed: contains a dormant embryonic plant
Fruit: layers of tissue protecting the seed
Vascular Tissues:
Phloem: carries nutrients from roots to other parts of
the plant
Xylem: carries water, provides structural support
Structure
Marine Plant Ecosystems:
Seagrass beds provide habitat for many microbes and
small organisms like stingrays, crabs, seastars, shrimp
in a variety of habitats such as the lagoon and seafloor
Mangroves provide entire ecosystems to both land
animals that live in the tree branches, and marine
animals that live under roots.
Marine Plant Uses:
Both seagrass and mangrove leaves are food for
herbivores
Seagrass reduces turbidity (cloudiness) because the
roots stabilize the ocean floor preventing currents and
waves from stirring up sediments
Mangroves protect coastlines from storm erosion and
create nurseries for baby animals
Plant Human Uses:
Wood for hunting tools, contruction
Creating furniture, rooftops, footwear, fishing line, etc
Herbal medicinal recipes
Etc.
Marine Plant Uses:
Both seagrass & mangroves can be
used for building & extracting dyes
& nutrients
Algae & Plant Zonation:
Deepest, to shallow, to land =
Algae, Seagrass, Red, Black, & White Mangroves