How deep is a kelp forest?
Because of their dependency upon light for photosynthesis, kelp forests form in shallow open waters and are rarely found deeper than 49-131 feet .
What are the three zones of a kelp forest?
They can be divided into layers including the canopy, understory, and forest floor.
What zone does kelp live in?
asymmetrical, world-wide distribution of kelp forests. Kelp forests occur only in relatively cool marine habitats, in temperate zones and polar waters cooler than approximately 21o Centigrade, about 70o Fahrenheit. Cool surface waters do not occur at the same latitudes on opposite sides of the oceans.
What are the layers of the kelp forest?
Kelp Forests provide a variety of habitats for animals at all trophic levels. Kelp Forests can be divided into three layers: the canopy, stipes zone, and holdfast zone.
Why does kelp grow so fast?
Giant kelp often grows in turbulent water, which brings renewed supplies of nutrients. This allows the kelp to grow to a possible height of 175 feet (53.4 m). The stemlike stipes are tough but flexible, allowing the kelp to sway in ocean currents.
Can giant kelp move on its own?
Once and individual giant kelp reaches the sea surface, it continues to grow horizontally, floating in large mats that shade the water column and sea floor below.
What eats giant kelp?
Several species eat giant kelp, and fluctuating populations of purple sea urchins are known to play a role in kelp forest formation and destruction. Several species of sharks, bony fishes, lobsters, squids, and other invertebrates are known to live in or near kelp forests.
How many inches can kelp grow a day?
This majestic giant grows incredibly fast — anywhere from three to five inches (7–13 cm) each day in our exhibit, and 10 to 12 inches (25–30.5 cm) in the bay. Under ideal conditions, giant kelp can grow two feet each day, creating towering underwater forests that serve as vibrant marine habitats.
What are the side effects of kelp?
Side effects, toxicity, and interactions Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism have been linked to too much kelp intake. This is due to its high amount of iodine. Abnormal thyroid function has also been linked directly to too much use of kelp supplements. Kelp may contain harmful metals.
What animal eats kelp?
sea urchins
Purple sea urchins eat kelp at their holdfasts (the parts that attach kelp to the bottom). They can reproduce very quickly. In the north Pacific, the sea otter is the main and only predator of kelp. On the California current, sheephead and spiny lobsters eat kelp too, along with the sea otters.
Where are giant kelp marine forests found in Australia?
Within Australia, the Giant Kelp Marine Forests is found predominantly in temperate south eastern waters where water conditions are cool, relatively nutrient rich and moderately calm. The largest extent of the ecological community is in Tasmanian coastal waters.
Why are kelp forests important to Channel Islands?
Kelp forests at the Channel Islands experience a mixing of both warm water currents from the south and cold water currents from the north creating a highly productive system and supporting an incredible abundance and diversity of marine life.
What makes a kelp forest look like a plant?
Kelp forests are underwater ecosystems in shallow water that are formed by the dense growth of several different species of kelp. Though they look very much like plants, kelps are actually extremely large brown algae.
How tall can a kelp tree grow in one day?
Some species, like the giant kelp, can reach heights underwater of 45 metres and, under ideal physical conditions, can grow 45 centimetres in a single day! As a result of this incredible growth, kelp forests can develop very quickly in areas that they did not previously exist.