L7 - Intertidal species

Discussion of the species likely to be encountered in intertidal zones.
Focus on both fun facts about species and methods for recognizing different species.
Introduction to transect tape usage and its purpose in scientific sampling.

Transect Tape Definition: A tool used to create a transect, which allows researchers to distinguish sampling areas based on specific protocols.
- Described as creating a line or pathway for sampling organisms in a designated area.
- Example of intertidal sampling where transects may be challenging due to underwater visibility limits.
- Transects may extend no more than two meters on either side depending on the specific environment.

Discussion of different tide heights affecting the distribution of organisms.
- Organisms categorized based on their exposure to air and water.
- Distinct bands of organisms found in the intertidal zones based on their tolerance to air exposure.
- The top area of the intertidal zone often referred to as the "splash zone", which is rarely submerged except during extreme events like king tides coinciding with storms.

Ulva (Common Names: Sea Lettuce):
- Scientific Name: Ulva intestinalis.
- Characterized by a bright green color, with blades that are two cells thick.
- Commonly found in areas like piers due to nutrient availability.
Codium crinitum:
- Known for its appearance as a green, unicellular organism that can exist in diverse shapes influenced by environmental factors (waves, temperature, salinity).
Morphological Influence:
- Color not a solely reliable identification feature; environmental conditions and nutrient levels dictate variation in appearance.
Species Distribution:
- Reference to other green algae and their tactile features, such as being leathery or hollow.
- Collected examples from the intertidal zone to demonstrate diversity and physical characteristics.

Descriptions of brown algae found in intertidal zones:
- Emphasis on characteristics important for identification, such as ridged blades and flexibility despite rigidity.
- Discussion of their ecological role in wave action, where they can scour substrates due to their structure and grouping.
- Example of a rigorously illustrated genus showing pneumaticists and distinguishing features of their structures.

Stipe: The stem-like structure of kelp that supports the organism and acts hydraulically with pneumaticists during tidal changes.
Pneumaticists: Air-filled sacs in brown algae that provide buoyancy.

Explanation of the impact of winter storms on kelp forests:
- Damage and loss of kelp due to severe storm events, which can strip underwater forests.
- Example of Macrocystis and its adaptability to dynamic environments.

Definition of geniculate and non-geniculate coralline algae:
- Geniculate Coralline Algae: Identified by a jointed structure that allows for flexibility while providing ruggedness, akin to a backbone.
- Non-Geniculate Coralline Algae: Appears as crusts that resemble various categories of encrusting species.
- Illustrative examples including scientific imagery of Jania and Coralina species with distinguishing features noted.

Dictyota: Notable for its lack of a midrib, which is used for differentiation from closely related species like Dictyopteris.
Sargassum muticum: A previously invasive species that has naturalized in certain areas, differentiated by its bushy appearance and abundance of small pneumaticists.
Reference to plumose algae characteristics that create unique biodiversity in intertidal niches.

Mention of seagrass species:
- Phyllospadix (surfgrass) characterized by its rounded, grass-like structure.
- Zostera (eelgrass) known for flat blades and role in underwater ecosystems.

Important differentiation between male and female structures of different algae.
Additional examples used from lab experience to promote recognition of species characteristics among students.