Marine Lovers

Marine Algae Marine algae are important primary producers (photosynthetic). These algae are called by a generic term “seaweeds” or more formal term macroalgae. While some are thought to be the pre-cursors of plants, algae do not have the same advanced structures seen in plants such as roots, stems and leaves. The body of a macroalgae is known as a thallus. This thallus can be simple or more advanced in its structure. In some algae, there are: Blades – leaf-like structures Stipes – stem-like structures Holdfast – root-like structures (these structures lack the advanced conducting tissues seen in true plants) Some algae also possess pneumatocysts, gas-filled bladders used to keep the blades near the water’s surface where more light is available for photosynthesis. The blades, stipes and pneumatocysts of the giant kelp ( a brown algae). Like plants, algae exhibit a life history marked by an alteration of generations. To summarize, in the alternation of generations: A gametophyte stage pro...

INVERTEBRATES Animals without a backbone are known as invertebrates. Those with a backbone are called vertebrates. About 97% of animals are invertebrates. All major animal groups have representatives in the marine community. Several animal groups are exclusively marine. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ANIMALS Multicellular, diploid organisms with tissues, organs or organ systems in most Heterotrophic Require oxygen for aerobic respiration Reproduce sexually, or asexually, or both Most are motile at least during some portion of the life cycle Animal life cycles include a period of embryonic development  GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ANIMALS Basic body structure: - Symmetry (body plan) Radial - round; equal parts radiate out from a central point (like that seen in a sea star) Bilateral - organism can be divided into right and left halves that are more or less equal (ex: marine mammals) Sponges have no symmetry and are known as  asymmetrical. MAJOR PHYLA OF MARINE INVERTEBRATES 01. Spong...