Epiphytes |
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As with any surface in the marine environment, seagrass leaves provide a place for planktonic organisms to settle. When they settle on seagrass leaves, they are called epiphytes (sessile organisms that grow on plants). Epiphytes of seagrasses include algae (micro and macro), bacteria, fungi, sponges, bryozoans, tunicates, protozoa, hydroids, crustaceans and mollusks. Of all of these, algae are the most abundant and diverse group to colonize seagrass leaves. Algal epiphytes significantly contribute to the primary productivity of the ecosystem (20-60%), and form the base of many food webs within seagrass communities. Algal epiphytes are directly consumed be grazers such as snails and sea slugs (learn more…). The distribution and abundance of epiphytes is influenced by several factors including light, temperature, water motion, nutrients, seasonal/successional changes as well as grazer/predator interactions. Related Links: Bay Scallops, Seahorses, Seaweed, Epiphytes, Gallery of Eelgrass Fauna
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References: Larkum, A.W.D., Orth, R.J., Duarte. C.M. (Editors), 2006. Seagrasses: Biology, Ecology and Conservation. Springer. |
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