Phytobenthos Flashcards
What are included within phytobenthos?
Macroalgae, microalgae and macrophytes
What is macroalgae?
Seaweed
What are marine macrophytes?
Aquatic plants such as sea grasses
What are Spermatophya?
Any high order plants that produce seeds
What are Bryophyta?
Mosses
What are Pteridophyta?
Ferns
Give an example of a river with high disturbance to freshwater macrophytes/
Iguazu Falls, Argentina
Give an example of a type of river with low disturbance.
Lowland stream in Scotland
What are the differences in freshwater macrophyte composition between rivers with high disturbance and low disturbance?
High disturbance means only organisms with strong fastening systems can survive as they withstand strong currents
Areas of low disturbance can have a multitude of different organisms
What allows sea grasses to anchor in sediment and extract nutrients and minerals?
Complex root structure
Where does photosynthesis occur in sea grasses?
Cells in leaves
How do sea grasses transport minerals and nutrients?
Via a circulatory system with veins
How do sea grasses reproduce?
Via flowers, fruits and seeds
How do macroalgae anchor on rocks or shells?
Simple holdfast
Where does photosynthesis occur in macroalgae?
In all cells
