1
Q
What are nereocystis?
A
Bull kelp
Have only 1 pneumatocysts
Can withstand great wave strength
2
Q
What is macrocystis?
A
Giant kelp:
Major canopy former
Grows from meristem
Perennial
3
Q
What are key grazers of kelp forests?
A
Urchins*
Abalone
Regular
Molluscs- mitra, calliostoma, regular snails
4
Q
What are key predators in the kelp forest
A
Sea otters
Some mollusks (kelletia)
Rockfish
5
Q
Threats to kelp forests:
A
Unsustainable harvesting (harvesting from the top)
Overfishing rockfish- near shore, live fish fisheries, long lining
Power plants- emit warm water
Construction
Sedimentation/scour
6
Q
Vertical zon action in kelp forest:
A
Bottom: turf Benthic zone, prostrate kelps, invertebrates Middle: understory Largest zone, most species Top: canopy Dominated by giant kelp
7
Q
What are kelp forests dependent on?
A
Hard substrate
High nutrients
Constant wave exposure (medium)
