MULTICELLULAR PRIMARY PRODUCER STUDY GUIDE

The 3 types/ groups of algae

Green, Brown, Red

How are algae classified/ divided?

Pigments and chlorophyll

Green

Chlorophyll a and b and carotenoids

Red

Chlorophyll a and d and phycobilins

Brown

Chlorophyll a and c, and fucoxanthin

Blades

Photosynthesis occurs

Holdfast

Structure aids in attachment

Stipes

Stem like flattened area

Gas bladders

Pockets of air that aid in buoyancy

Thallus

Body of seaweed

Macroalgae are known as?

Seaweed

Which type of algae can be found floating at the surface?

Sargassum

Which group of algae has the highest number of species?

Green algae (7,000 species)

Which type/group of seaweed grows the tallest?

Kelp (brown)

Name the structure that can grow more than 100 feet in giant kelp

Stipe

Green algae

Beta carotene used as food colorant

Red algae

Carrogenan used as thickener in dairy products

Brown algae

Algin lalginate used as emulsifier (creamer)

What is coralline algae?

Algae with calcium carbonate incorporated into thallus

Reproduction in sargassum is

Fragmentation

Sargassum

Floating, lives in tropical areas, home to many organisms

Kelp

Found along the Pacific Coast, creates forests, home to lots of creatures

Examples of sea grasses in Florida

Eelgrass (not common in Florida) , manatee grass, paddle grass, turtle grass, surf grass

Which sea grasses are common in Florida

Manatee grass, Turtle grass

Describe characteristics of marine plants

They have leaves, stems, roots, and produce seeds

Which are found in tropics?

Mangrove

Which are found in temperate regions?

Kelp

Describe pollination and seed dispersal in seagrasses

Small flowers release pollen that moves with water currents to fertilize other flowers

Their horizontal stems that allow them to spread through soft sediment (sea grasses)

Rhizome

How do marine plants prevent algal blooms?

Absorbs excess nutrients (cleans water)

What types of creatures depend heavily on seagrasses?

Manatees and Sea Turtles

Know well similarities in ecological roles between salt marsh plants, seagrass and

mangroves.

Habitat (mangroves): nurseries, take in carbon

Prevents beach erosion + hold down sediment, decrease storm damage

What are salt tolerating plants called?

Halophytes

Salt water marshes are a mix of

Fresh and salt water

What is the most common salt marshes grass?

Cordgrass

What is the equivalent to salt marshes in the subtropical and tropical regions?

Mangrove

Describe the characteristics of mangroves structure.

Roots - specialized roots to stabilize the tree in mud (helps absorbs O2)

Leaves- salt eliminated from salt glands

Explain how the embryonic plants (propagules) work

Already germinated, ready to starting to grow once they stick in mud

Where are mangroves located?

Along tropical coasts

Know the zone order for black red and white mangroves and the way to distinquish them.

1. Red

2. Black

3. White

What are ecological roles of mangroves?

Nurseries, serve as a refuge for marine life, act as a barrier from the shoreline (protecting from erosion), and provide food for fish and other animals

What are some causes of decreased mangrove habitat?

Coastal development, charcoal farming, freezing temperatures, climate change and sea-level rise