Exploring Our Fluid Earth
Teaching Science as Inquiry
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Table 2.4. Algae descriptions, drawings, and features that allow for survival and reproduction
A. Identify parts of algae
Blade – a large, flattened branch of the thallus (Fig. 2.20) |
Calcified – describes an organism with calcium carbonate in its tissue, which often gives it a hard texture |
Calcium carbonate – a chemical compound found in some organisms for structure and defense |
Dichotomous – a branching pattern where branches are divided in two (Fig. 2.24 C) |
Filaments or filamentous –very thin branches that are usually chains of connected single cells (Fig. 2.24 B) |
Holdfast – part of the thallus that anchors the plant to the bottom (rock, sand, coral rubble, other plants, or animals; Fig. 2.20) |
Midrib – a thickened portion in the center of an alga blade or stipe. The mid rib may look similar to a vein, however it is not true vascular tissue (Fig. 2.21 A). |
Pneumatocyst – air bladders used to hold the alga upright in the water (Fig. 2.22 A). |
Segmented – visibly divided into separate uniform parts or sections (Fig. 2.22 A). |
Stipe – a stem-like structure. Unlike terrestrial plants, the stipe does not have true vascular tissue (Fig. 2.20). |
Thallus – main body of the alga |
B. Compare algae and vascular plants.
Exploring Our Fluid Earth, a product of the Curriculum Research & Development Group (CRDG), College of Education. © University of Hawai‘i, 2021. This document may be freely reproduced and distributed for non-profit educational purposes.