Glossary coming shortly
Category Archive for 'Primers'
Seaweed photosynthesis
Posted in Primers on Apr 12th, 2008
Photosynthesis is defined as the mechanism by all chlorophyll containing (autotrophic) plants that convert sunlight into chemical energy. Virtually all the energy available for consumers of plant material originates from the sun through the process of photosynthesis.
The chemistry of photosynthesis is more obvious in the form of chemical equations. The generalised equation for phtosynthesis is:
Where [...]
Shapes of seaweed
Posted in Primers on Apr 12th, 2008
Its all about communication, the science of identifying algae, or any organism for that matter revolves around identifying the different parts. Therefore my guide is useful in conjunction with identification guides or taxonomic keys.
Seaweeds suffer greatly in the harsh environment of the intertidal zone. This environmental pressure from dessication, wave action and predation has lead [...]
Algal community structure
Posted in Primers on Apr 12th, 2008
Compared to the higher plants, algae may appear simple. But their community structure represents just as much a challenge for marine biologists as our terrestrial counterparts! Algal communities are very complex as they are exposed to a variety of regularly changing cycles, the most predominant being the cycle of the tides and the penetrate of [...]
Three of a kind, the colours of seaweeds!
Posted in Primers on Apr 12th, 2008
Seaweeds can be split into three main types. In no particular order, they are simply, red, green and brown. These three types are all found on the seashores of Northern Europe as well as throughout the world. I have much interest in the brown seaweed’s, these include the bladder wracks that I’m sure everyone who [...]