Natural History Project
Alki Beach — Marine Algae
Alexander Kunz
Biology 470 – Dr. Whitlow
Sea Lettuce (Ulva sp.) — These
organisms are typically found in the
estuaries, rock pools or tide pools. They
typically also grow in vast quantities.
Sea Lettuce exists worldwide, on the
coasts of practically every country in the
world. Sea Lettuce earns its name from
the fact that in many countries the
organisms is consumed similar to the
way in which lettuce is. This particular
sea lettuce is very green, and has small Sea Lettuce (Ulva sp.) — Found on October 12, 2006 at
blades. The organism grows in vast 12:00pm. The weather was very cold and overcast with
light intermittent rain.
numbers and looks like a green carpet
when you see it from a distance. Closer inspection reveals the individual blades. This organism
also grows in areas in which you can walk through. Unlike some of the other seaweeds, these grow
in the intertidal area and at low tide can be found near flat or rocky areas.
(http://www.algaebase.org/).
Classification:
Empire
Eukaryota
Kingdom
Plantae
Subkingdom Viridaeplantae
Phylum
Chlorophyta
Class
Ulvophyceae
Order
Ulvales
Family
Ulvaceae
Genus
Ulva
Species
(http://www.algaebase.org/)
Ecological Facts:
 Ulva has a high degree of variability, making it ideal as a pioneer species, as well as being
able to tolerate changing and different conditions. It is hypothesized, that Ulva abundance
throughout the world is attributed to this high degree of variability.
(http://www.algaebase.org/)
 Ulva prefer areas that are flat near rocky outcroppings, or in rock pools, and typically do not
grow on steep slopes or areas where wave action does not exist. (www.algaebase.org/)
Field Notes: This specimen was found on October 12, 2006 at 12:00pm. The weather was very
cold and overcast with light intermittent rain. This particular image was taken near a jetty, which
blocked waves. The lettuce was extremely thick here, and the water height at the time was barely
covering the lettuce (tide was in).
Turkish Towel (Chondracanthus exasperatus basionym: Gigartina exasperata) — These
organisms are typically found in the intertidal and subtidal areas up 20m deep, especially in cold
water regions. They can grow to large lengths, and do so in deeper waters. The organism is
commercially valuable as an emulsifier and is harvested as such. The organism has ridge like
growths covering the blade and these particular specimens have dark red spotting and coloration
across the blade as well. The organism can
appear
somewhat
iridescent
if
wet.
(http://www.algaebase.org/).
Classification:
Empire
Eukaryota
Kingdom
Plantae
Subkingdom Biliphyta
Phylum
Rhodophyta
Subphylum Rhodophytina
Class
Florideophyceae
Subclass
Rhodymeniophycidae
Order
Gigartinales
Family
Gigartinaceae
Genus
Gigartina
Species
exasperata
(http://www.algaebase.org/)
Turkish Towel (Gigartina exasperata) — Found on
October 12, 2006 at 12:00pm. The weather was very cold
and overcast with light intermittent rain.
Ecological Facts:
 The Turkish Towel would be an example of a primary producer. As such it offers both food
and protection to a large variety of organisms. Harvesting of this organism could result in a
large number of outcomes, potentially impacting the entire food web it is a part of.
(http://www.algaebase.org/)
 Gigartina exasperate posses an isomorphic alternating generation lifecycle, where both the
gametes and sporophytes look very similar. This could be hypothetically important to offer
protection to new offspring. (www.algaebase.org/)
Field Notes: This specimen was found on October 12, 2006 at 12:00pm. The weather was very
cold and overcast with light intermittent rain. This particular image was taken on a log near the
regular intertidal area. The organism was found washed ashore, during high tide.
—
Iridescent Seaweed (Iridaea cordata)
These organisms are typically found in
the intertidal and high intertidal areas up
7m deep, especially in cold water
regions.
The organism appears
iridescent due to the number of cuticles
posses. The organism is dark red in
color and can be found in rocky areas
during
low
tide.
(http://www.algaebase.org/).
Classification:
Empire
Eukaryota
Kingdom
Plantae
Subkingdom Biliphyta
Phylum
Rhodophyta
Subphylum Rhodophytina
to
it
Iridescent Seaweed (Iridaea cordata) — Found on
October 19, 2006 at 12:00pm. The weather was very cold
and overcast with light intermittent rain.
Class
Florideophyceae
Subclass
Rhodymeniophycidae
Order
Gigartinales
Family
Gigartinaceae
Genus
Iridaea
Species
cordata
(http://www.algaebase.org/)
Ecological Facts:
 The Iridescent Seaweed bears the iridescent characteristic due to the multiple layers of
cuticle.
(http://www.algaebase.org/)
 Because Iridaea cordata is red algae, it can live deeper than any other algae, due to its wide
range of absorption of sunlight. This would mean this organism (and other red algae) are
unique in that they can provide safety and food at a deeper location. (www.algaebase.org/)
Field Notes: This specimen was found on October 19, 2006 at 12:00pm. The weather was very
cold and overcast with light intermittent rain. This particular image was taken near the regular
intertidal area, during low tide. The organism was found attached to some large rocks near a tide
pool.
Rock Weed (Porphyra umbilicalis) — These
organisms are typically found on rocks, in the
upper intertidal zone.
One obvious
characteristic of these organisms is the
swollen “receptacle” at the tip of some blades.
These organisms belong to the brown algae
group, and are typically dark brown or dark
green. (http://www.algaebase.org/).
Classification:
Empire
Eukaryota
Chromista
Kingdom
Subkingdom
Chromobiota
Infrakingdom Heterokonta
Phylum
Ochrophyta
Class
Phaeophyceae
Order
Fucales
Family
Fucaceae
Rock Weed (Porphyra umbilicalis) — Found on
October 19, 2006 at 12:00pm. The weather was very cold
and overcast with light intermittent rain.
Fucus
Genus
(http://www.algaebase.org/)
Ecological Facts:
 Because rockweed is located at the uper tidal area, it often has to endure extreme heat as
well as desiccation with tide.
(http://www.algaebase.org/)
 Rockweed has floats (the receptacles) called pneumatocysts which allow the blades to float
upright in the water.
(www.algaebase.org/)
Field Notes: This specimen was found on October 19, 2006 at 12:00pm. The weather was very
cold and overcast with light intermittent rain. This particular image was taken near the upper
intertidal area, during low tide. The organism was found attached to some rocks near a tide pool.
Porphyra (Porphyra umbilicalis) — These
organisms are typically found on rocks,
mussels, etc., mid tidal to splash zone. They
too appear iridescent when wet, yet can be
distinguished by their typically smaller size.
The organism almost appears hair-like, as
opposed to blade like when wet.
(http://www.algaebase.org/).
Classification:
Empire
Eukaryota
Kingdom
Plantae
Subkingdom Biliphyta
Phylum
Rhodophyta
Subphylum Rhodophytina
Class
Bangiophyceae
Subclass
Bangiophycidae
Order
Bangiales
Family
Bangiaceae
Genus
Porphyra
Species
umbilicalis
(http://www.algaebase.org/)
Porphyra (Porphyra umbilicalis) — Found on
October 19, 2006 at 12:00pm. The weather was very cold
and overcast with light intermittent rain.
Ecological Facts:
 Porphyra is harvested as a food called nori, which is used in sushi and other Japanese foods.
The harvesting of Porphyra could impact the system in which it is a part of because
Porphyra is a food source and protection for other organisms.
(http://www.algaebase.org/)
 Porphyra is the most consumed seaweed in the world. It turns black and very rubbery when
exposed to oxygen for prolonged periods of time.
(www.algaebase.org/)
Field Notes: This specimen was found on October 19, 2006 at 12:00pm. The weather was very
cold and overcast with light intermittent rain. This particular image was taken near the regular
intertidal area, during low tide. The organism was found attached to some rocks near a tide pool.
Alaria (Alaria esculenta.) — These
organisms are typically found in the low
intertidal and subtidal areas up to 8m.
Alaria has longer blades 30cm to 1.5m.
Typically the surviving blades that wash
ashore are tattered and ripped. It would be
difficult to find these algae, even at low
tide, as they prefer somewhat deeper water
due to their long blade length.
(http://www.algaebase.org/).
Classification:
Eukaryota
Empire
Kingdom
Chromista
Subkingdom
Chromobiota
Alaria (Alaria esculenta) — Found on October 12,
2006 at 12:00pm. The weather was very cold and overcast
with light intermittent rain.
Infrakingdom Heterokonta
Ochrophyta
Phylum
Class
Phaeophyceae
Order
Laminariales
Family
Alariaceae
Alaria
Genus
Esculenta
Species
(http://www.algaebase.org/)
Ecological Facts:
 Exceptionally long Alaria blades can grow up to 4 meters.
(http://www.algaebase.org/)
 Alaria grows in Scotland, where it is called Bladderlocks, and is harvested for consumption.
(www.algaebase.org/)
Field Notes: This specimen was found on October 12, 2006 at 12:00pm. The weather was very
cold and overcast with light intermittent rain. This particular image was at high tide, and was a
recovered piece of Alaria.
Bull Kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) —
These organisms are typically found in the
low intertidal and subtidal areas up to
20m. The most distinguishing feature of
the bull kelp is the large pneumatocysts,
which act as a float to keep the long
blades upright.
(http://www.algaebase.org/).
Classification:
Eukaryota
Empire
Bull Kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) — Found on October
12, 2006 at 12:00pm. The weather was very cold and overcast
with light intermittent rain.
Kingdom
Chromista
Subkingdom
Chromobiota
Infrakingdom Heterokonta
Ochrophyta
Phylum
Class
Phaeophyceae
Order
Laminariales
Family
Laminariaceae
Nereocystis
Genus
Luetkeana
Species
(http://www.algaebase.org/)
Ecological Facts:
 Provides a tremendous source of food and shelter for fishes.
(http://www.algaebase.org/)
 Sea Urchins often graze on immature bull kelp, without any restrain on the sea urchin, kelp
forests quickly disappear, as do many of the organisms that rely on it.
(Whitlow)
Field Notes: This specimen was found on October 12, 2006 at 12:00pm. The weather was very
cold and overcast with light intermittent rain. This particular image was at high tide, and was a
recovered piece of bull kelp.
Eel Grass (Zostera sp.) — These organisms
are typically found in estuaries. They usually
grow in vast quantities and require a sandy
substrate to grow upon. Eel grass is easy to
identify, it looks like most terrestrial tall
grasses might, and has a dark green color.
Fruits from this plant also have floats; too
keep them upright in the water column.
(http://www.algaebase.org/).
Classification:
Empire
Eukaryota
Kingdom
Plantae
Subkingdom Viridaeplantae
Phylum Tracheophyta
Class
Liliopsida
Order
Potamogetonales
Family Zosteraceae
Genus Zostera
Species
(http://www.algaebase.org/)
Eel Grass (Zostera sp.) — Found on October 12, 2006
at 12:00pm. The weather was very cold and overcast with
light intermittent rain.
Ecological Facts:
 Eel grass is important within the environment because of the stabilization it provides to the
sandy substrate it typically inhabits.
(http://www.algaebase.org/)
 Eel grass typically acts like a nursery for immature fish and shellfish. It is important within
the system primarily for the protection it serves.
(www.algaebase.org/)
Field Notes: This specimen was found on October 12, 2006 at 12:00pm. The weather was very
cold and overcast with light intermittent rain. The strands of eel grass were recovered from the
incoming tide.
Laminaria (Laminaria sp.) — These
organisms are typically found in the
subtidal zones. They usually grow to be
one to ten meters, and are considered by
many to be the most abundant algae on
Earth. The distinguishing features of
these algae are its brown/dark brown
color as well as its rubbery texture.
Aside from this, Laminaria has a long
and flexible blade, which usually
contains a large element of width.
(http://www.algaebase.org/).
Classification:
Empire
Eukaryota
Kingdom
Chromista
Subkingdom
Chromobiota
Laminaria (Laminaria sp.) — Found on October 12, 2006
at 12:00pm. The weather was very cold and overcast with light
intermittent rain.
Infrakingdom Heterokonta
Phylum
Ochrophyta
Class
Phaeophyceae
Order
Laminariales
Family
Laminariaceae
Genus
Laminaria
(http://www.algaebase.org/)
Ecological Facts:
 Laminaria populations were transplanted into Japan in the 1970’s for harvesting; they are
now some of the most productive harvesting locations in the world. Although not
specifically stated, this could be due to the resistive nature of Laminaria from parasites as
well as herbivory.
(http://www.algaebase.org/)
 “Sexual reproduction is oogamous; antherozoids (male gametes) are produced by a male
gametophyte and eggs are produced in oogonia by the female gametophyte. The female
liberates a pheromone called lamoxirene, a low molecular weight (C11), volatile
hydrocarbon which, in addition to attracting the sperm, causes their release from the
antheridia of the male gametophyte. Fertilization takes place with the egg partially extruded
from the oogonium and the zygote develops in situ to form a sporophyte (the macroscopic
kelp)” (www.seaweed.ie/).
Field Notes: This specimen was found on October 12, 2006 at 12:00pm. The weather was very
cold and overcast with light intermittent rain. This particular image was taken near a jetty, which
blocked waves. Tide was in.
Mastocarpus (Mastocarpus sp.) —
These organisms are found in the lower
intertidal, often in large continuous
mats. The most distinguishing
characteristic is the purple/black color
along with the thick crust like material
deposited all over the organism.
(http://www.algaebase.org/).
Classification:
Empire
Eukaryota
Kingdom
Plantae
Subkingdom Biliphyta
Phylum
Rhodophyta
Subphylum
Rhodophytina
Class
Florideophyceae
Subclass
Rhodymeniophycidae
Order
Gigartinales
Family
Phyllophoraceae
Mastocarpus (Mastocarpus sp.) — Found on October 12,
2006 at 12:00pm. The weather was very cold and overcast
with light intermittent rain.
Genus
Mastocarpus
(http://www.algaebase.org/)
Ecological Facts:
 Until recently Matrocarpus anatomy was so different it was thought to belong to a different
genus all together. This crusty material is hypothesized to serve a variety of roles, including
a mechanism for germination.
(http://www.algaebase.org/)
 The male gametophyte is so variable; it can look like similar to Ulva. Many of these
gametophytes have the capability to fall apart to aid in dispersal of gametes.
(www.algaebase.org/)
Field Notes: This specimen was found on October 12, 2006 at 12:00pm. The weather was very
cold and overcast with light intermittent rain. This particular image was taken near a jetty, which
blocked waves. Tide was in.