Kelp Forest
Kelp forests are amongst the most beautiful habitats in the ocean. They grow in both the northern and southern hemisphere, with the more developed areas being in the Pacific Coast between Baja California and Alaska. Kelp forests are very similar to forests on land in that they provide shelter and protection to many animals.
Kelp forests can only grow in clear, shallow water because they require sunlight for photosynthesis. They grow along rocky coastlines at about 2 to 30 meters deep, and in areas where there is a rich concentration of nutrients and very cool water. At perfect condition, kelp can grow very fast.
The giant kelp is known to be the fastest growing plant in the world. If the water temperature is between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit and has a high concentration of nutrients, the giant kelp can grow up to two feet per day and over 100 feet in it’s lifetime. Although they can only live for about six years, the giant kelp is the largest alga in the ocean.
Kelp forests consist of two types of algae: giant and bull. Giant kelp can live for several years, while bull kelp can only survive for one. Both types of kelp have a two-stage life cycle. In the earliest part of their lives, they exist as spores, along with millions of their brothers and sisters. The spores are released by the parent kelp, which is called the sporophyte. In a short time, these spores grow bigger into either female or male plants, and begin to reproduce by releasing sperm and eggs. When the number of kelp increases over time, they create a vast forest similar to that on land.
Just like rainforests, kelp forests consist of three layers. The top layer is similar to that of a canopy. When the algae grow big enough, it can extend to the surface and continue to grow horizontally until it creates a canopy. The canopy can get very thick and many fish and animals rely on it as a shield against harsh storms and predators. Underneath the canopy is a dimly lit mid
Kelp forests can only grow in clear, shallow water because they require sunlight for photosynthesis. They grow along rocky coastlines at about 2 to 30 meters deep, and in areas where there is a rich concentration of nutrients and very cool water. At perfect condition, kelp can grow very fast.
The giant kelp is known to be the fastest growing plant in the world. If the water temperature is between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit and has a high concentration of nutrients, the giant kelp can grow up to two feet per day and over 100 feet in it’s lifetime. Although they can only live for about six years, the giant kelp is the largest alga in the ocean.
Kelp forests consist of two types of algae: giant and bull. Giant kelp can live for several years, while bull kelp can only survive for one. Both types of kelp have a two-stage life cycle. In the earliest part of their lives, they exist as spores, along with millions of their brothers and sisters. The spores are released by the parent kelp, which is called the sporophyte. In a short time, these spores grow bigger into either female or male plants, and begin to reproduce by releasing sperm and eggs. When the number of kelp increases over time, they create a vast forest similar to that on land.
Just like rainforests, kelp forests consist of three layers. The top layer is similar to that of a canopy. When the algae grow big enough, it can extend to the surface and continue to grow horizontally until it creates a canopy. The canopy can get very thick and many fish and animals rely on it as a shield against harsh storms and predators. Underneath the canopy is a dimly lit mid