Activity 9.2: Extreme Algae
I. Meet the Algae
The single-celled algae that reside in coral reefs and sea ice provide excellent
examples of the adaptability and evolutionary diversity of these amazing organisms.
But before we can understand the role these organisms play in their respective
environments, we need to know who they are.
Using the web sites below, write a brief description of each of the following types of
coral reef or sea ice algae. Include the following in your description:
 the phyla or division to which the alga belongs (common names are
acceptable)
 where it lives (be as specific as possible)
 some general traits or characteristics (such as shape and size, light and
nutrient preferences, major pigments, unique biochemistry, etc)
Coral Reef Algae
Symbiodinium (coral zooxanthellae)
Coralline algae
Red algae
Green algae
Brown algae
Sea Ice Microalgae
Diatoms
Phytoflagellates
II. Extreme Photosynthesis
One of the most fascinating aspects of coral reef zooxanthellae and ice algae is how
they capture light and obtain the necessary mineral nutrients for survival. The closeassociation of corals with their zooxanthellae and the close association of ice algae
with bacteria and microflagellates are subjects of intense study by researchers
interested in algal symbioses.
Explore the web sites below and gather information on the photosynthetic processes
of zooxanthellae and ice algae. In particular, pay attention to the relationship of
zooxanthellae to their coral hosts and focus on the relationship of ice algae to
bacteria and microflagellates. You will find good illustrations of these relationships.
Pick one or two and complete the following:
 illustrate the light and nutrient pathways (carbon, nitrogen) of corals and
their symbiotic zooxanthellae
 illustrate the light and nutrient pathways (carbon, nitrogen) of sea-ice algae,
bacteria and microflagellates
 compare and contrast the photosynthetic environment (i.e., the availability of
light and nutrients) of zooxanthellae and ice algae
III. The Effects of Global Warming
The warming of the oceans in recent decades has had a profound effect on coral reef
and ice-edge ecosystems. High water temperatures may be one cause of coral
bleaching while the melting and shrinking of polar sea ice is reducing plankton and
benthic productivity.
Study the web sites below and prepare a one-page statement on the negative
consequences of global warming on coral reefs or polar ecosystems. Defend your
statements by illustrating the effects of global warming on algae living in these
environments and the consequences for the food webs that they support. Formulate
your statement as if you were addressing the United Nations or a public forum.
Recommended web sites:
Getting Up to Date on Zooxanthellae
http://www.aquarium.net/0998/0998_4.shtml
Marine Biology – Coral Reefs (Outline)
http://www.oaerre.napier.ac.uk/users/p.tett/MB/MBcoral.html
An Introduction to Coral Reefs
http://www.uvi.edu/coral.reefer/
Coral-Algal Symbiosis
http://ww2.mcgill.ca/biology/undergrad/c442b/lect19/3.htm
Hawaiian Reef Algae
http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/ReefAlgae/default.htm
About Reef Algae
http://www.reef.crc.org.au/aboutreef/coral/algaeabout.html
Algae in the Coral Reef Environment
http://www.com.univ-mrs.fr/IRD/atollpol/ecorecat/ukalgrec.htm
Coral reef Ecology: The Trophic Structure of Hawaiian Reefs
http://krupp.wcc.hawaii.edu/BIOL200/powerpnt/trophic/
Arctic Sea Ice: Channels of Life
http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/02arctic/background/sea_ice/sea_ice.ht
ml
Major Food Reserve Discovered Under Antarctic Ice
http://unisci.com/stories/20021/0308022.htm
Organisms Which Thrive in Arctic Sea Ice
http://www.arctic.noaa.gov/essay_krembsdeming.html
Studies on the Ecology of Polar Microalgae
http://www.uni-kiel.de/ipoe/Websitealt/resgroup/phytopl.html
Sea Ice Working Group
http://www.uni-kiel.de/ipoe/Websitealt/resgroup/seaice.html
Biomass, production and horizontal patchiness of sea ice algae in a high Arctic fjord
http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v223/p15-26.html
Coral Mortality and African Dust
http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/african_dust/
Arctic Ecosystems (pdf file)
http://envirosphere.ca/pdf/arctic.pdf
Ecological States and Resilience of Coral Reefs
http://www.consecol.org/vol6/iss2/art18/main.html
Eutrophication and Water Quality in Coral Reefs
http://globalcoral.org/Eutrophication%20and%20Water%20quality.html
Water Quality Characterization and the Health of Coral Reefs
http://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/coral/symposium/szmant.html
Climate Change Harms Ocean Life
http://www.twnside.org.sg/title/1953-cn.htm
Antarctic Krill Populations Crash in Response to Warming
http://www.mlml.calstate.edu/news/loebpr.htm