Lab03_1

Lab Activity 3.1
Types of Seaweeds

Study the instructional material below. Be sure to click on each of the photographs for an enlarged view in a separate window. The larger version is necessary to complete the assignment. It opens in a separate window which can be resized by grabbing the bottom right corner and dragging it. It can also be moved by grabbing the top heading bar and dragging it. Be sure to close the extra window by using the X in IBM, or the close box in MAC when you are finished using them.

Introduction

Seaweeds are functionally similar to the terrestrial plants we are all familiar with. They are abundant in some shallow water marine communities and provide food and shelter for animals. Structurally, however, they are very different from land plants. Seaweeds evolved in water and most lack the complexity of tissues and organs that is required for life on land. Nevertheless, they can grow tall and rise up from the bottom to compete for light and nutrients.

Seaweeds come in a remarkable array of types. In this lab activity you will be introduced to a variety of species. Despite their differences all seaweeds have features they share. Since they live in the same environment and must all perform tasks in somewhat the same way and have bodies that allow them to do so. Compare the seaweeds you study in this lab to one another and look for their similarities as well as their differnces.

Evolutionary taxonomy will be used as a unifying concept to help you better understand this diversity. By familiarizing yourself with the three major phyla of seaweeds, you will be better equipped to understand unfamiliar species.

Instruction

Study the information and the diagrams of the various species of seaweeds depicted below. Study the examples and pay particular attention to each seaweed's shape and color. Learn to match each example with its color, shape, and phylum.

Be sure to write about what you are learning in the lab section of your notebook. You will be expected to answer questions about the lab activity during the lab self test and lab quiz. It helps to have your text and coloring books open beside you for support.

Supporting Information

Refer to the Assigned Readings Below:
Marine Biology Textbook	Chapter 6, pages 106 to 110
Marine Biology Coloring Book	Plates 20 and 21

Phylum Chlorophyta (Greens)
,

Species: Ulva rigida

Color:

yellow green

Shape:

sheet

Species: Enteromorpha intestinalis
Color: yellow green
Shape: filamentous

Species: Enteromorpha prolifera
Color: yellow green
Shape: filamentous

Species: Codium macdougalii
Color: yellow green
Shape: branching

Species: Valoniopsis pachynema
Color: yellow green
Shape: filamentous

Phylum Rhodophyta (Reds)

Species: Jania sp.
Color: blue red
Shape: branching

Species: Gracilaria sp.
Color: green orange
Shape: branching

Species: Spiridia filamentosa
Color: green orange
Shape: filamentous

Species: Laurencia paniculata
Color: green orange
Shape: branching

Species: Laurencia johnstoni
Color: green orange
Shape: branching

Species: Porolithon sonorensis
Color: blue red
Shape: encrusting

Phylum Phaeophyta (Browns)

Species: Sargassum sinicola
Color: yellow brown
Shape: branching

Species: Sargassum johnstoni
Color: yellow brown
Shape: branching

Species: Padina mexicana
Color: yellow brown
Shape: sheet

Species: Colpomenia tuberculata
Color: yellow brown
Shape: encrusting

Species: Colpomenia sinuosa
Color: yellow brown
Shape: encrusting

Species: Colpomenia phaeodactyla
Color: yellow brown
Shape: branching

Species: Dictyota divaricata
Color: yellow brown
Shape: branching

Species: Cutleria hancocki
Color: yellow brown
Shape: branching

Lab Activity 3.2 Photosynthetic Pigment Extraction