AWESOME ALGAE

AND THE Creepy crawly Critters THAT Live on THEM

 

Introduction

       Ascophyllum

       Epiphytes

Methods

Results

Discussion

References

About the Author

Photo Galleries

       Trip to Bermuda

      Bermuda Underwater photos

 

Photo credits and Copyright Information Judson Curtis© 2004

 

 

Ascophyllum nodosum & Polysiphonia lanosa

 as micro habitat in the rocky inter-tidal

 

ABSTRACT

This research project looks at the distribution of Polysiphonia lanosa and Ascophyllum nodosum in the rocky inter-tidal. Ascophyllum is a brown algae that grows through out the rocky inter-tidal. It provides important services to the ecosystem that make it a foundation species in the inter-tidal. Polysiphonia lanosa is a red algae that grows epiphytically on Ascophyllum, attached to the stipe or stem. Ascophyllum stipes were collected from four different tidal heights in the rocky inter-tidal of Nahant, MA. They were examined for physiological characteristics, and patterns in the presence P. lanosa. Each sample was further examined for the presence of micro organisms living on and among the Algae. These organisms were photographed and described, and their distribution throughout the inter-tidal is examined.

 

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A MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR

 

This project was completed my junior year of college in the context of a biology class titled "Ecology of Atlantic Shores" at Clark University in the fall of 2004.  This class included independent research in Massachusetts as well as a field trip to Bermuda Biological Station in October. Although the focus of this site is mostly on my research conducted in Massachusetts, I invite you to explore the Bermuda photo galleries. I hope to continue building and expanding this site. Please feel free to email me with any questions, comments, or suggestions.

 

 Thanks,                                                       

 Kate                                                

khartman@clarku.edu