Chlorophyta

Species 1:

Sea Lettuce - Ulva lactuca (not specific to kelp forest)(2)

Habitat: Intertidal zone and water up to 75 ft. (2)

Niche: Proves shelter for small invertebrates and other small animals.(2) It is a major food source for many marine animals. Also, sea lettuce is an indicator species which means it can tell us about the wellbeing of the environment; more sea lettuce means healthy environment.(3)

Adaptations:(3) Sea lettuce can photosynthesize and reproduce rapidly which means that it can colonize clear spaces quickly before other organisms can take that space.

Life cycle: 2 phases (2)

• sporophyte phase: release spores which grow into gametophyte
• Gametophytes become Gametes which are released in spring and fuse together to become sea lettuce

Species 2: Green Sea Fingers or Codium Fragile

Habitat: It originates in the Pacific Ocean near Japan and has become an invasive species on the coasts of the Northern Atlantic Ocean, which attaches to almost any hard surface (such as rocks and shellfish) in kelp forest ecosystems.

Niche: Attaches itself to shellfish beds, fishing nets, and other hard structures, and can sometimes make it difficult for invertebrates and fish to move along on the ocean floor. (1)

Adaptation: It has demonstrated nitrate storage capabilities which increase its longevity in stressful conditions. (1)

Life Cycle:

It has no asexual (sporophyte) stage, and male and female gametes are both produced on separate plants. Generally reproduces sexually, but can also grow vegetatively and sprout from fragments of itself. (1)