Transcript Types of Algae

Types of Algae
- Marine algae, more commonly known as seaweeds, come in all
shapes and sizes.
- Algae are not plants, even though they sometimes look like
them.
- They are all referred to as algae, the red, green and brown algae
are classified into three different kingdoms: the protists,
chromists and plantae.
- The algae all have cell wall structures and are capable of
photosynthesis like our plants on land.
Brown Algae
Brown algae is the largest type of algae. It is brown or yellowbrown in color and found in temperate or arctic waters. Brown
algae typically have a root-like structure called a "holdfast" to
anchor the algae to a surface.
Examples of brown algae: kelp, rockweed (Fucus), Sargassum.
Red Algae
Red algae are reddish or purplish in color. There are about 6,000
species of red algae and they are protists in the phylum Rhodophyta.
Red algae species range from simple one-celled organisms to
complex, multi-celled, plant-like organisms. Red algae get their
energy from photosynthesis. One thing that distinguishes red algae
from other algae is that their cells lack flagella.
Green Algae
There are more than 4,000 species of green algae. Green algae may
be found in marine or freshwater habitats, and some even thrive in
moist soil. These algae come in 3 forms: unicellular, colonial or
multicellular.
Examples of green algae: sea lettuce (Ulva sp.), which is commonly
found in tide pools, Codium sp., one species of which is commonly
called "dead man's fingers."
What is phytoplankton?
" Plankton" is the term that generally refers to
the "floaters," the organisms in the ocean that
drift with the currents. This includes the algae,
zooplankton ("animal plankton"), phytoplankton
(plankton that are capable of photosynthesis),
and bacteria.
1. Is phytoplankton a consumer or producer? Explain.
2. Is zooplankton a producer or consumer? Explain.
Ocean Plant Life: Algae
Phytoplankton are microscopic organisms that are the base of ocean ecosystems; they
are so abundant that they are visible from space. Here, average chlorophyll from 1998
through 2006 is shown in green and indicates
areas of high biological productivity.
Phytoplankton…
- They are possibly the most important group of organisms on the
planet as they generate most of the oxygen that we breath.
- They convert inorganic nutrients and sunlight into vegetative
matter
- Most marine food chains depend on their presence as a primary
food source.
- A small proportion of species produce highly potent toxins and the
monitoring of these are very important to ensure food safety.
- They generally photosynthesize to survive – although some eat
other species.
Ocean Plant Life: Diatoms (type of phytoplankton)
Diatoms are small microscopic plants (algae) that go through the process of photosynthesis.
Diatoms are abundant in nearly every habitat where water is found – oceans, lakes, streams,
mosses, soils, even the bark of trees. Diatoms grow as single cells, or form simple filaments or
colonies. They form the base of aquatic food webs in marine and freshwater habitats. There is
a wide range in the number of species of diatoms present on earth, from 20,000 to over 1-2
Ocean Plant Life: Phytoplankton
Phytoplankton is a microscopic producer. Rising acid levels in the
world's oceans appear to be robbing the tiny animals that form the
bedrock of the marine food web of a vital nutrient. This shift in the
ocean's chemistry could reduce populations of phytoplankton, which
could touch off a cascade of changes to ocean life.
Continued: Algae
-
A "red tide“ (above) is a common term used
for a harmful algal bloom.
- Harmful algal blooms, or HABs, occur when
colonies of algae — simple ocean plants that
live in the sea — grow out of control while
producing toxic or harmful effects on people,
fish, shellfish, marine mammals and birds.
- Human illnesses caused by HABs, though rare,
can be debilitating or even fatal.
The ocean plays a critical role in removing carbon from the atmosphere and
providing oxygen. It regulates Earth's climate. The ocean is an increasingly
important source of biomedical organisms with enormous potential for fighting
disease.
Resources from the Oceans
Fisheries
Tourism
Drilling
1. What resources do
humans get from the
ocean?
2. What are the positives
and negatives of
obtaining resources
from the ocean?
Mining
Ocean Resources Poster: Images, Captions, Pros/Cons and Information Below
Fisheries
- Types of Fish
- How much is provided
- Provides 16% of total world’s protein (higher in developing nations)
Tourism
- Fastest growing division of the world economy
- Provides 200 million jobs
- Ecotourism and cultural tourism: favors low impact tourism, foster respect for local
cultures and ecosystem stewardship
Mining
- Ocean floor mining: diamonds, gold, silver, metal ores (manganese nodules), gravel,
sand, etc.
Drilling (oil or natural gas)
- Resources located use seismic surveys
- Exploratory rigs are replaced by production rigs when drilling for oil or natural gas
- An average well lasts from 10 – 20 years.
Ocean Resources
Fishing Facts
The oceans have been fished for thousands of years and are an integral part of human society.
Fish have been important to the world economy for all of these years, starting with the Viking
trade of cod and then continuing with fisheries like those found in Lofoten, Europe, Italy,
Portugal, Spain and India. Fisheries of today provide about 16% of the total world's protein with
higher percentages occurring in developing nations. Fisheries are still enormously important to
the economy and wellbeing of communities.
The ocean is one of Earth's most valuable natural resources. It provides food in the form
of fish and shellfish—about 200 billion pounds are caught each year. It's used for
transportation—both travel and shipping. It provides a treasured source of recreation for
humans. It is mined for minerals (salt, sand, gravel, and some manganese, copper,
nickel, iron, and cobalt can be found in the deep sea) and drilled for crude oil.
Ocean Fishing
Fishing Facts
The word fisheries refers to all of the fishing activities in the ocean. The oceans have been
fished for thousands of years and are an integral part of human society. Fish have been
important to the world economy for all of these year. Fisheries of today provide about 16% of
the total world's protein with higher percentages occurring in developing nations.