unit 2.5 marine algae and plants - steilacoom

Unit 2.5

Marine Algae & Plants

Marine Science

Entry Task(s)What process do marine plants perform that make them

valuable to all living organisms?

• Photosynthesis

Why does this process make marine plants so valuable to all

living organisms?

• This process is responsible for providing the oxygen in the

atmosphere.

Marine Algae & PlantsUnit 2.5 Marine Algae & Plants Vocabulary.

• Using Chapter 5 (pgs. 118-134) complete the vocabulary

worksheet.

• Grab your textbook

Note: The “Unit 2.5 Marine Algae & Plants Vocabulary”

worksheet can be located on the Marine Science webpage @

link: https://www.steilacoom.k12.wa.us/Page/6827

https://www.steilacoom.k12.wa.us/Page/6827

Entry Task(s)How many species of algae are known?

• More than 500 species of macroscopic algae.

How are algae classified?

• Classified according to the color of their pigment.

Marine Algae & PlantsHow are Marine Algae Adapted

Seaweeds = multicellular algae

ocean.

• Deposited along the

• One common Ulva = tissue-

thin sea lettuce.

- Photosynthetic

- Release stored nutrients

when they decompose.

Pg. 119

How are Marine Algae Adapted to Their Environment?

Seaweeds = multicellular algae living in the sunlit waters of the

ocean.

• Deposited along the strandline

Marine Algae & PlantsHow are Marine Algae Adapted to Their Environment?

• More than 500 species of macroscopic algae.

• Algae are classified according to the color of their pigment.

- Green algae

- Brown algae

- Redd algae

Marine Algae & PlantsAlgae Research

• Grab your copy of the textbook & a copy of the research

worksheet from the front counter.

• Within your group decide who will complete which sections &

circle your assigned section.

• Read your assigned section & record important information.

• Your information will be shared with the entire group.

Entry Task(s)What are the names of the reproductive cells in algae that

contains the haploid number of chromosomes?

• Spores or gametes

Some species of algae are attached to rocks while other float

freely, what is the structure that attaches these species of algae

to rocks?

• Holdfast

What is the process by which seaweeds produce oxygen?

• Photosynthesis

AssessmentMSS7-2.5 Marine Algae & Plants Assessment_01

• Grab a copy of the assessment.

• Using your ISN, textbook, or your knowledge of what you

have learned complete the assessment.

• Once complete, raise your hand so I can collect your paper.

Marine Algae & PlantsEnvironment: Caulerpa - An Invasive Alga

• Grab a copy of the article.

• Read the article thoroughly, highlighting or underlining key

information about Caulerpa.

• Answer the questions following the article.

Note: The “Environment: Caulerpa - An Invasive Alga”

worksheet can be located on the Marine Science webpage @



Marine Algae & Plants“Adaptations of a Marine Alga” Lab Investigation 5

• Grab a copy of the pre-lab questions & lab investigation

worksheet.

• Read the procedures thoroughly, highlighting or underlining

key information.

• Answer the pre-lab questions.

• Lab Investigation 5 will be conducted tomorrow.

Note: The “Lab Investigation 5 & Pre-Lab Questions”

worksheets can be located on the Marine Science webpage @



Marine Algae & Plants“Adaptations of a Marine Alga” Lab Investigation 5

• Labs will be conducted at the team lab stations.

• Conduct the lab in order, according to the procedures

provided in the lab worksheet.

• Once lab is complete clean your stations:

- Place your Fucus in the trash.

- Rinse & wipe your trays & scissors.

- Wipe your team stations.

- Leave your stations cleaner than you found them.

• Return to your seat & answer the conclusion questions

following the lab.

Marine Algae & PlantsReading & question assignment to be completed in your ISN.

• Read pgs. 118-127 in the textbook.

• Answer section review questions 1-3 (pg. 127)

1) Describe the importance of seaweed in marine ecosystems.

2) How are marine algae adapted for carrying out

photosynthesis?

3) In what ways are seaweeds important to people?



• Using only what you have learned complete the assessment.


Marine Algae & PlantsHow Are Beach Plants Adapted to Live on the Shore?

• Lower beach has few plants.

- High tides & heavy surf make it difficult.

- Salty conditions & misty air that blow off the ocean make

inhospitable.

Marine Algae & PlantsHow Are Beach Plants Adapted to Live

• The upper beach is more suitable

plants.

- Wind blows sand into dunes

deep roots of beach plants.

- Widely spaced to prevent

competition.

Pg. 127

How Are Beach Plants Adapted to Live on the Shore?

• The upper beach is more suitable & has a great variety of

plants.

- Wind blows sand into dunes that are held in place by the

deep roots of beach plants.

Marine Algae & PlantsAdaptations to the Upper Beach.

• Resembles the conditions of a desert.

• The prickly pear, Opuntia compressa,

grows in this region.

- Has a thick, waxy covering to reduce

water loss.

- Sharp spine to protect against animal

consumers.

• Seaside Goldenrod stores water in its

stems.

Pg. 128


• At the summit, woody shrubs & trees are often found.

• On the sheltered side of dunes, plants are protected from the

drying effects of the wind off the ocean.

- Trees grow no taller than the dunes.

• What causes this phenomenon in tree growth?

- Ocean winds; their drying effects act like giant pruning

shears, taking off growth above the dunes.


• Most beach plants are vascular.

- Specialized tissue in the roots, stems, & leaves that

conduct food & water throughout.

• Beach plants also produce flowers & seeds.

http://columbiariverimages.com/Regions/Places/long_beach.html



• Answer section review questions 1-3 (pg. 129).

1) Why do beach plants grow in the upper beach & not in the

lower beach?

2) How are plants in the upper beach adapted to survive in the

desert-like environment?

3) How are the beach plants different from the marine algae?

Marine Algae & Plants“ Activity: Marine Grasses” worksheet

• Using your textbook, identify & write in the role of each marine

plant.

Note: The “Activity: Marine Grasses” worksheet can be located

on the Marine Science webpage @ link:



Entry Task(s)How have cordgrasses adapted to live in salt water?

• They have special glands in their leaves to excrete excess

salt.

What are the roles of cordgrasses in marsh ecosystems?

• Breaking down industrial pollutants that flow into the marshes.

• Decaying & providing important nutrients to plankton.

• Providing protective habitat for fiddler crabs & mussels.

Have the following available in your ISN:

• Unit 2.5 vocabulary worksheets

• Lab 5 pre-lab questions.

• Lab Investigation 5.

VideoChanging Seas: Seagrasses & Mangroves (26:48):

Synopsis: They are an ancient species of flowering plants that

grow submerged in all of the world’s oceans. Seagrasses link

offshore coral reefs with coastal mangrove forests. Today, these

prairies of the sea, along with mangroves, are declining globally.

Scientists fear the diminishing vegetation could result in an

ecosystem collapse from the bottom of the food chain all the

way to the top.

Link @ https://www.pbs.org/video/changing-seas-seagrasses-

and-mangroves/

• On a sheet of paper identify 3 pieces of information that

matches the reading from yesterday.

https://www.pbs.org/video/changing-seas-seagrasses-and-mangroves/

Entry Task(s)What are the four species of marsh grasses mentioned in the

textbook?

• Phragmites (reed grass)

• Spartina alterniflora (cordgrass)

• Spartina patens (cordgrass)

• Salicornia (glasswort)

Which species sea grass grows in colder water & which grows in

warmer waters?

• Cold = Zostera marina (eel grass)

• Warm = Thalassia (turtle grass)

Marine Algae & PlantsMarine Algae.

Marine Algae & PlantsWhat Role Do Marine Grasses Play in the Ocean?

Marine grasses are typically found on the shores of protected

bays & inlets along the Atlantic, Gulf, & Pacific coasts.

Some of the grasses that adapt to the marine environment:

• Marsh Grasses

• Sea Grasses

Marine Algae & PlantsMarsh Grasses.

Reed grass, Phragmites.

• Identified by fluffy brown tassels.

Glasswort (pickleweed), Salicornia.

• Short, thick, waxy stems that store

freshwater

Cordgrass, Spartina.

• Special glands in the leaves that

excrete excess salt.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/invasive_phragmites_australis_what_is_it_and_why_is_it_a_problem https://www.sanelijo.org/plant-guide/pickleweed


Variety of species of cordgrasses, Spartina.

• Spartina alterniflora

- Tall, coarse species

• Spartina patens

- Shorter, more delicate species

Pg. 130https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/invasive_phragmites_australis_what_is_it_and_why_is_it_a_problem


Cordgrasses are important members of salt

marshes.

• Habitat for fiddler crabs & mussels that live

on or around the roots.

• Ability to break down industrial pollutants

releasing them as harmless chemicals.

• When they die & decay the water is

enriched with important nutrients.

Pg. 130https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/invasive_phragmites_australis_what_is_it_and_why_is_it_a_problem

Marine Algae & PlantsSea Grasses.

Two species of sea grasses found in the shallow subtidal zones.

• Eelgrass, Zostera marina.

• Turtle grass, Thalassia.

Pg. 131


Eelgrass, Zostera marina.

• Found in the cooler waters of the Atlantic

• Tufts grow close together, forming beds.

- providing habitat for mollusks,

arthropods, & fish.

Pg. 131

Sea Grasses.

Eelgrass, Zostera marina.

• Found in the cooler waters of the Atlantic & Pacific coasts.

• Tufts grow close together, forming beds.


Turtle grass, Thalassia.

• Found in the warmer waters

Gulf of Mexico.

• Underground stems, rhizomes,

form interlocking mats that

stabilize sandy seafloors.

• Provide habitat for many marine

organisms & food for sea turtles.

Pg. 131

Sea Grasses.

Turtle grass, Thalassia.

• Found in the warmer waters along the coast of Florida & the

Gulf of Mexico.


Seagrass reproduction.

• Produce flowers.

• Pollen is dispersed in long threads.

• Egg cells are fertilized by pollen.

• Seeds are then shed into the water.

• If they settle on suitable substrate, seeds germinate.




1) How are marsh grasses adapted to survive in salt water?

2) Of what importance are sea grasses to aquatic communities?

3) Describe how sea grasses reproduce underwater?

Marine Algae & PlantsHow Are Mangrove Trees Adapted

• Mangrove trees grow so closely of

vegetation.

• Contain arching prop roots that

anchor mangrove trees into muddy

sand.

• The tangle of prop roots act as

nets trapping organic debris

brought in by the tides.

Pg. 132

How Are Mangrove Trees Adapted to a Marine Environment?

• Mangrove trees grow so closely together to form thick jungles

of vegetation.

RED BLACK WHITE

Marine Algae & PlantsHow Are Mangrove Trees Adapted to a

Mangrove reproduction.

• Seedpods dangle from the branches.

• When they ripen, the pods fall into the

water.

• They float vertically on ocean currents to

other locations.

• Mangrove seedlings grow when they reach

a suitable muddy substrate.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2013/01/19/environment/impossible-forests-where-tides-ebb-and-flow/#.XFeX7y3MxnY

How Are Mangrove Trees Adapted to a Marine Environment?

Mangrove reproduction.

Marine Algae & PlantsMangroves, Marshes, & Wildlife.

Biologically productive areas that provide

living organisms.

• Enriched with nutrients carried in by tides.

- Food for plankton & fertilizers for marine

plants.

• Often considered the “nurseries” of the sea.

• Habitat for young fish & other small animals,

as well as many birds & mammals.

Pg. 133

Mangroves, Marshes, & Wildlife.

Biologically productive areas that provide safety & sustenance to

living organisms.




1) Why do mangrove swamps contain such a rich abundance of

organisms?

2) How does a ripe mangrove seedpod find a suitable place to

grow?

3) Explain how the roots of mangrove trees help other

organisms survive.



• Using only what you have learned complete the assessment.


Marine Algae & PlantsChapter 5 Review.

• Pgs. 135-138 in the textbook.

• Answer Chapter 5 Review questions 1-22 on the worksheet

provided.

- You will need to write in the answer from the textbook.

• Pages have been scanned & loaded as an assignment in

google classroom (“MSS7-2.5 Assessment Review”).

unit 2.5 marine algae and plants - steilacoom

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