There are many interesting plants in the ocean which include Red Algae, Kelp and
Coral. Most plants have a predator such as the Crown-of thorns starfish which eats coral,
or sea urchins which eat kelp. Red algae has no natural predators. Coral is useful to
humans as a protein source, for medicine and protecting the coast against storms. Kelp is
useful to humans because it is a source of vitamins. Red algae is important because it
provides medicines. These are important to both the plants marine environment and the
human race.
Coral is an interesting plant found in the ocean biome. Coral builds on top of itself
with a growth rate of 4 inches each year. Many different types of coral can be found in
oceans around the world, such as the Great Barrier Reef which stretches 80,000 square
miles. The water temperature must be approximately 73ºF for coral to survive. Even
though coral is protected in many states, it is a threatened species. The Crown-of-Thorns
starfish eats coral, coastal development, pollution and recreational activities destroy coral.
Coral can provide humans with protein, a source of medicine, and protection of the
shoreline against storms. One interesting fact about coral is that if you step on it coral can
start to grow on your foot!
Kelp is a fascinating ocean plant whose scientific name is Laminariales. It grows in
cold, and mostly coastal waters. Kelp is usually brown in color and is a type of algae.
Kelp grows quickly and can reach over 250 feet. Giant kelp is the largest marine plant in
the world and can live up to 7years. Kelp populations have declined due to pollution,
winter storms, and commercial harvesting. Kelp is useful to humans in vitamins and
cosmetics. Kelp is very important to the environment.
Red algae is a common algae which belongs in a group with 6000 other types. It
grows near tropical and sub tropical shores and is rarely found in fresh water. Red algae
produces spores that turn into sporophytes and then gametophytes. They vary greatly in
shape and have red chlorophyll. This type of algae has been around for over 500 million
years and is used with medicines and for food in Japan and the Philippines. Red algae
appears at East Matunuk beach in Rhode Island each summer.